Word of Wine, an exclusive wine appreciation course, began after three wine buffs held a tasting evening in New Zealand for family and friends. It was such a hit they decided to share it with the public of Melbourne.

There are only 30 tickets available for the next event, held at Byblos Bar in the city, so it’s first in first served. The masterclass is lead by international sommelier Vincent Martel, who currently works at The Point in Albert Park and probably knows more about wine than you do.

Vincent picks boutique varieties for you to sip, the kind that you won’t find just anywhere. But Vincent is by no means the hero; the winemaker is the star. One of Vincent’s business partners, Alexis, said the trio considers “each winemaker to be an artist.”

The second Word of Wine event in Melbourne is on May 22^nd and will focus on vibrant Victorian vineyards. You’ll get to learn the inside-outs of seven wines over two hours, complemented by Victorian cheese and crusty bread. If you like the wine you taste, Vincent will tell you where to buy it, but you won’t be able to purchase any on the night — Word of Wine take their independence seriously.  

Word of Wine will flush your cheeks and fill you with adjectives to describe what you’re drinking. It will teach you wine etiquette, give suggestions on how to best cellar wine and help you decide what food is best matched to each bottle. Vincent will tell the story behind each wine: the soil it originated from, the weather it endured, the type of grape responsible for this drink of the gods.

Vino aficionados will be encouraged to interact and take part in blind tastings, and everyone is entitled to their opinion.

So what makes a good wine?

“A good wine is simply something you like,” says Alexis. Cheers to that.

Price: $60 for FACCI members, $75 for non-members
Bookings: contact@wordofwine.com.au or 045 256 9608
Details: facebook.com/wordofwine and wordofwine.com.au