FAQs
Wine Tastings
How long in advance do I need to book?
At least a few days advance notice will help to make sure we can find a space for you .If we’re already booked up or don’t have qualified staff available, we can’t always guarantee to be able to fit you in, so the more notice you can give us the better!
Do I need to pay a deposit?
We ask for debit/credit card details for security at the time of booking. A charge (of 50% of the tasting price) will only be made in the event of a no-show without at least 48 hrs notice.
How long do tastings last?
We tend to let you dictate the pace of private tastings, and they can last for more or less time depending on how much chatting there is and how quickly you’re drinking! On average, however, tastings last roughly 2 hours. If you have a deadline and need us to stick to a specific timing, just let us know.
Can I bring someone along who's not tasting?
The way we offer tastings means it's difficult not to include everyone sitting at the table, even if they aren't drinking! The charge for tasting is related just as much to the experience and the educational aspect involved as to the actual wine tasted, so it can be a little awkward to have a tasting, particularly with a small group, with members of the group not participating. Therefore, we’ve applied the following to our tasting bookings: if a tasting has at least 6 participants paying full price, we are happy for up to two ‘extra’ people, not tasting but sitting in, at a cost of £12.50 per person.
Do I need to drink the wine?!?
We always offer spitoons, and if you’re pregnant/driving/would rather not drink you’d be surprised how much you can participate just by smelling and/or spitting out the wine. If you’d rather not spit, we find there’s usually at least one person on the table who’s happy to hoover up any leftovers!
Can I buy a tasting as a present for someone?
Yes indeed, we are more than happy to book a tasting and give you a voucher with all the details to give to your friend, alternatively we can just write ‘wine tasting’ and a value and leave it for them to book at their convenience.
How many wines will I taste?
That depends on the type of tasting - details are given under each heading on our tasting page. Six wines is the norm, with some tastings also including a glass of fizz on arrival.
What will I be tasting? Can I taste whatever I like?
We find that the best tastings are usually a mix of what people already know, as well as a few surprises. If you would like a completely bespoke tasting, please get in touch with us for a quote.
Gift Voucher Terms and Conditions
1. Vouchers are valid for a year from the date of issue.
2. Vouchers must be redeemed for what they are issued. e.g. if a voucher is issued for a wine tasting, it must be redeemed as a wine tasting.
3. You can check availability and make bookings for vouchers here. We don’t host private wine tastings on Friday evenings or Saturdays as the bar gets too busy and it’s not conducive to a good customer experience.
4. Extensions will be considered under the following circumstances:
- If we are contacted before the voucher expires or up to 3 months afterwards with a valid reason - we will extend the voucher for a further 3 months from the expiry date.
- If we are contacted between 3 months and 6 months after the voucher has expired we will consider an extension for either half the value of the voucher or the full value, if the same amount to be spent again on top (e.g. if you have a voucher for tasting for 2 people, it is used towards a tasting for 4 people).
5. We do not extend vouchers that are more than 6 months past the expiry date.
6. We do not extend vouchers more than once.