We’ve all been there: standing in a bottle shop, ten minutes late to a dinner party, with no idea what to buy the host. You ask the pimply staff member what he recommends, only to be met with a shrug. Those days are over. The Tasting Table opened a couple of weeks ago in Armadale and is revolutionizing the wine-buying experience in Melbourne.

The Tasting Table is the first child of Jack Mullard and his fiancé. Fresh from the UK, Mullard formerly worked for Corney & Barrow, wine advisors to the Royal Family. The store stocks European and Australian bottles ranging from about $18 upwards. Thanks to three shiny Enomatic dispensers — which store wine for up to three weeks by ensuring not an atom of oxygen seeps in — patrons are able to try before they buy.

It works like this: Select what wines you would like to taste or have a glass of out of the 24 available and you’ll get an electronic card which you can top up on the spot or pay off at the end. If you’d rather grab a bottle off the shelf they’ll dedicate a spot in the Enomatics just for you for the evening, perfect for sharing with friends. Mullard knows that Aussies don’t usually like to pay for samples, but the benefits are obvious. If you’re a wine connoisseur with shallow pockets, you’ll be able to taste vintages you otherwise couldn’t afford. If you’re a vino virgin, Mullard will show you the ropes and put your taste buds to the test.

What was formally Nick’s Wine Merchants is now an airy space with polished floorboards. A naked brick feature wall lined with sleek bottle racks sets the scene next to the centerpiece of the room: the long, wooden tasting table. The store hosts weekly events and if you’re lucky, there might still be a few tickets available for their Italian food and wine session on Thursday evening, otherwise pop in the Saturday before Mother’s Day to test out some champagne on the house. There are also local events to look forward to, such as a dinner at The Smith with matched wines.

At The Tasting Table, it’s all about education. What better way to learn than by doing… or should we say sipping?

Where: 1219 High Street, Armadale
Open: Tue-Wed11am-8.30pm | Thurs-Fri 11am -10pm | Sat 10am-7.30pm | Sun 12pm-6pm
Phone: (03) 9822 6754
Details: fb.com/thetastingtablewineshop or thetasting-table.com.au