Guide to Wine Tastings: Networking with a Glass
Have I ever thought that wine tasting can be combined with networking? No. Until Andrey invited me to the first such meeting.
Guide to Wine Tastings: Networking with a Glass
Have I ever thought that wine tasting can be combined with networking? No. Until Andrey invited me to the first such meeting. He was always looking for ways to expand his circle of acquaintances and assured that a couple of glasses sometimes works no worse than a business forum.
Why Wine and Networking Go So Well Together
1. Wine Removes Barriers
At regular events, I often feel tension. At a tasting, when you already have a glass in hand, the conversation starts easier. In the Moscow restaurant «Wine Cellar» it happened like this: Anna and I first discussed wine, and then moved on to travel.
2. A Common Topic for Conversation
Sometimes you just don't know where to start. Wine provides a ready-made excuse. At one meeting, I got talking with Ivan, who was excellent at wines. We started with his favorite Chardonnay and ended with exchanging contacts and plans to meet again.
3. The Atmosphere Encourages Openness
Many tastings take place in small bars with dim lighting and soft music. Quite unlike noisy conference halls. In such an environment, I met Mikhail from IT. Both came just to relax, and ended up talking all evening.
4. The Format is Suitable for Beginners
At the first tasting, I felt insecure among those who clearly knew wines. But after a couple of glasses and a short story 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 just ask the interlocutor's opinion. A couple of years ago, I met Natasha this way, asking how she liked the Merlot. The conversation started, we exchanged business cards.
Dress comfortably, but not casually. Smart casual almost always works. It's better to have business cards with you. And don't forget to alternate wine with water, otherwise by the end of the evening it will be difficult to maintain a conversation.
Where to Find Tastings
There are many in Moscow and St. Petersburg. I most often look on TimePad. You can also follow restaurant pages on social networks: «Wine&Crab» and «Sixty» regularly hold such evenings. There are options in the regions too. In Crimea, for example, wine clubs sometimes hold free tastings.
Preparation for 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 is remembered quickly. It also helps to think in advance how to briefly tell about yourself. Usually I 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 with whom it was 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 delay.
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