Wine Tasting Shouldn’t Be Intimidating. Here’s Why Mine Never Are!

Why Traditional Wine Tastings Feel Intimidating for Beginners

For a long time, wine tastings came with rules: swirl this way, sniff that way, use the right terms, and definitely don’t admit you’re just here for the snacks. But let’s be honest—those old-school expectations can make something joyful feel more like a pop quiz. If you’ve ever skipped a tasting because you weren’t sure how to pronounce “Viognier” (or what to do with the spittoon), you’re not alone.

A recent survey showed that 75% of U.S. adults find wine etiquette daunting, and only 17% say they always do the classic swirl-and-sniff (gourmetontheroad.com). Even more telling? Two-thirds of people think there are “right” and “wrong” ways to enjoy wine—but most admit they’re not sure what they are. That kind of pressure has kept a lot of people—especially beginners, women, and younger drinkers—from engaging with wine in a way that feels natural and fun.

What Makes a Tasty Wandering Tasting So Approachable

At Tasty Wandering, I’m flipping that script with approachable wine tastings designed for connection, curiosity, and comfort.

Yes, I’m certified through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (Level 3) and the Wine Scholar Guild—but that doesn’t mean I show up with a white coat and a pointer. I show up with stories, pairings, and a mindset that says, “Let’s enjoy this together.”

The wine world is starting to shift, too. Today’s sommeliers are moving away from rigid tasting rules and toward a more “drink what you love” approach—meeting people where they are and creating fun, low-pressure spaces for discovery (winespectator.com).

You Don’t Need to Be a Wine Expert to Have a Great Time

There’s no such thing as a dumb wine question here. You can ask what “dry” really means. You can say something tastes like jellybeans. You can tell me you like sweet reds and I won’t raise an eyebrow. I’ll walk you through the wines in a way that feels more like a conversation and less like a lecture.

I’ve been to those tastings that feel stiff or snobby. I’ve seen people apologize for not knowing enough. And I’ve made it my mission to create the opposite: a beginner-friendly wine experience that’s welcoming, inclusive, and pressure-free.

Hosted Wine Tastings That Meet You Where You Are

In fact, many of my favorite guests have been people who walked in saying, “I don’t know anything about wine.” By the end of the evening, they’re confidently talking about what they taste, what they like, and what they’re excited to try next. That transformation isn’t about turning them into experts—it’s about helping them feel comfortable and connected.

If you’re looking for a women-led wine event in Colorado Springs that skips the jargon and focuses on connection, I’d love to host you. My sommelier-led tastings include everything from curated wine pairings to setup and cleanup—so you can simply show up and enjoy.

Let’s Make Wine More Inclusive—One Sip at a Time

Inclusion is no longer optional in the wine world—it’s what modern consumers are looking for. Women now make up nearly 60% of U.S. wine drinkers, and younger audiences especially want wine experiences that are relaxed, social, and authentic—not technical or elitist (eznewswire.com, insighttrendsworld.com).

So if wine has ever felt a little too buttoned-up for you, consider this your invitation to something different. No judgment, no pressure, no jargon required. Just good wine, good bites, and a good time.

Ready to Taste Without Intimidation?

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