From the unexpected to the unexplainable
In the 20-year span of my wine career, I’ve witnessed some fascinating tendencies that I feel are worth noting.
Most people expect a fun day—some wine, some pretty vineyards. That happens. But somewhere between the first pour and the last toast, something shifts.
People relax. They open up. They learn a little, connect a lot, and leave with more than they expected—whether it’s confidence buying wine back home, a deeper bond with the person they came with, or just a renewed sense of joy.
Here are a few of the most common—and unexpected—ways a small-group wine tour can surprise you when you stay curious and open to serendipity.
Confidence You Didn’t Know You Had
We all know that paralyzing feeling when you’re at a restaurant with a group of friends and someone hands you the wine list to choose a bottle for the table. Like many things, wine has its own language. But you don’t need to speak it fluently to order with confidence.
After a wine tour, you’ll have a better understanding of basic pairings and what questions to ask to get what you like (and communicate what you don’t). And if the bottle is also available by the glass, it’s perfectly fine to ask for a taste before committing.
It’s really no more complicated than ordering cocktails—and most would agree that cocktails can’t compare to how the right wine can elevate a food experience.
Discover Something You Didn’t Expect to Like
“I thought I hated Rosé.”
“I’ve never even heard of Charbono.”
“I didn’t know Chardonnay could taste like that.”
When you get off the beaten path (and outside the grocery store aisle), you get to taste things you’d never find on your own. And more often than not, something surprises you in the best possible way.
Learning something about yourself has never been so fun, no?
Connect with People—Sometimes Total Strangers
We all know the things that divide people—no need to name them. Suffice it to say, they aren’t on a small-group wine tour. Wine is one of those magical things that unite us. As John Gay said, “From wine what sudden friendship springs.”
I’ve made some of my dearest friends through wine and on wine tours. It’s not uncommon for a group of strangers in the morning to enjoy a spontaneous dinner together by evening. Or for folks to plan a reunion tour before they even step off the shuttle.
Phones on a wine tour are used to take pictures, exchange contact info, jot down tasting notes—or to text someone, “You won’t believe who I’m on a wine tour with!” It’s uncanny how often I’ve seen guests, divided by years and miles, realize they’re sitting next to an old college mate or a friend-of-a-friend.
Relax and Unplug
A wine tour is an experience where laughter, discovery, scenery, shared company—and yes, the wine—eclipse email notifications and the busyness of everyday life.
Paradoxically, when we’re less connected (digitally), we’re more connected. Like summer camp for grown-ups.
Memories That Last
People often book wine tours for a birthday, a reunion, a honeymoon… but sometimes it’s just Tuesday. And those “just because” days? They turn out to be some of the very best. One perfect day in wine country can stay with you a long time.
I remember all of my wine tours. And while I do remember the stand-out wines that changed me, I remember more about the fellow travelers, the guide, the ride, the laughter.
I don’t know exactly how wine does that. But something that’s over 8,000 years old—older than written language or the pyramids—still has some secrets.
Book a Platypus Small Group Wine Tour and take home a lifetime memory.
Platypus Tours Marketing Teammate
Platypus Tours, Guide Alumni
