Wine tasting classes: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What wine tasting classes is

A wine instructor leads tastings, teaching how to look, smell and taste wine, grape varieties, regions and food pairing, for adults of legal age. People book wine tasting classes for a special occasion, a gift, a group outing or to learn enough to order and pair wine with confidence.

Signs you need it

  • You order wine at restaurants and cannot tell what you like about it
  • You want to learn the main grape varieties and where they grow
  • You want to pair wine with food and do not know where to start
  • You are planning a group event and want an activity with wine
  • You want to taste wine in a structured way and learn the words for it

What the pro does

  • Explains how to look at, smell and taste wine in a clear order
  • Leads a tasting of selected wines, comparing them side by side
  • Teaches the main grape varieties and the regions where they are grown
  • Shows how acidity, sweetness, tannin and body affect food pairing
  • Helps you describe the wines you taste so you can choose more confidently

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the class is a group event, a private tasting or a series
  • Number of wines tasted and whether they are included
  • Teacher experience and the wine regions or styles covered
  • Whether the class is at a venue, a home or online
  • Food pairings, snacks or a tasting kit included in the class
  • Whether the class includes a take-home guide or tasting notes

What a written quote should spell out

  • The regions, varieties and number of wines the tasting covers
  • Whether the wines and food are included or bought separately
  • The group size and whether the class is private or open to others
  • The cancellation and refund policy for the class
  • Where the class takes place and whether a venue fee applies

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is this class for adults of legal age only, and how do you check?
  • Which wines will we taste, and where are they from?
  • Can you adjust the tasting for my level or for a group event?
  • Does the class include food pairings, and how are they chosen?
  • What is your cancellation and refund policy for the class?
  • Do you serve wine at a venue that has its own alcohol permit?

Red flags

  • Lets guests who are not of legal age taste wine
  • Pushes you to buy a case or a membership at the end of the class
  • Gives the same tasting to every group without asking about your goals
  • Refuses to say which wines will be poured before you book

What you can do yourself

You can taste two wines side by side at home, note what you notice in color, aroma and taste, and try one food pairing at a time. Drink responsibly and do not serve anyone under the legal drinking age. Hire a teacher for structured tastings, grape and region knowledge, or a group event you want to run well.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach a wine tasting class. Serving or pouring alcohol at a class can fall under your state or local liquor licensing rules, so check with your state or local liquor licensing agency before the class, especially if the venue is not yours.

Wine tasting classes questions

Do I need to know a lot about wine to take a class?

No. Most classes start with the basics. Tell the instructor your level so they can pitch the tasting right.

Will I be served alcohol if I am under the legal drinking age?

Not at a class that follows the rules. Most wine classes are for adults of legal age only, so check the instructor's age policy before you book.

How do I book a wine tasting instructor on infinibell?

Describe the class you want, including the group size, the occasion and your level. Pick the instructors you want by name. Only the instructors you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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