Wine Tasting Guide: Networking with a Glass
Had I ever thought before that wine tasting could be combined with networking? No. Not until Andrey invited me to the first such meeting.
Wine Tasting Guide: Networking with a Glass
Had I ever thought before that wine tasting could be combined with networking? No. Not until Andrey invited me to the first such meeting. He was always looking for ways to expand his social circle and assured me that a couple of glasses sometimes work just as well as a business forum.
Why Wine and Networking Go So Well Together
1. Wine breaks down barriers
At regular events, I often feel tense. At a tasting, though, with a glass already in hand, conversation starts more easily. At the Moscow restaurant "Wine Cellar," that's exactly how it happened: Anna and I first discussed wine, then moved on to travel.
2. A common topic for conversation
Sometimes you just don't know where to start. Wine gives you a ready-made reason. At one meeting, I struck up a conversation with Ivan, who knew a lot about wines. We started with his favorite Chardonnay and ended up exchanging contacts and planning to meet again.
3. The atmosphere encourages openness
Many tastings take place in small bars with dim lighting and quiet music. Nothing like the noise of conference halls. In such an environment, I met Mikhail from IT. We both came just to relax, but ended up talking the whole evening.
4. The format suits beginners
At my first tasting, I felt insecure among those who clearly knew their wines. But after a couple of glasses and a short talk from the sommelier, everything fell into place. Such events often include mini-lectures, and beginners quickly get involved.
How to Behave
You don't have to be an expert. It's enough to say that the wine reminded you of a trip to Provence or simply ask for your companion's opinion. A couple of years ago, I met Natasha that way, asking how she liked the Merlot. The conversation flowed, and we exchanged business cards.
Dress comfortably but not carelessly. Smart casual almost always works. It's better to have business cards with you. And don't forget to alternate wine with water, otherwise it will be hard to keep up the conversation by the end of the evening.
Where to Find Tastings
There are many in Moscow and St. Petersburg. I mostly check TimePad. You can also follow restaurant pages on social media: "Wine&Crab" and "Sixty" regularly host such evenings. There are options in the regions too. In Crimea, for example, wine clubs sometimes hold free tastings.
Preparing for a Tasting: A Few Practical Tips
Before going out, I sometimes watch a couple of short videos on YouTube to refresh my memory. The difference between Cabernet and Merlot comes back quickly. It also helps to think in advance about how to briefly introduce yourself. I usually just say, "Hi, I'm Maxim, a marketer, currently working on a new project."
After the Tasting: How to Keep Contacts
The next day, I usually write to those I found interesting. I suggest meeting for coffee. Connections made over a glass of wine sometimes grow into long-term acquaintances or even joint projects. The main thing is not to put it off.
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