05 — Learn
Educational
Tasting
The Session
Learn to taste
properly
Most people enjoy wine but can't describe why. This session changes that — a structured, WSET-informed tasting that teaches you to read a wine: its structure, origin, and how it was made. No jargon, no pretension. Just clarity.
- 01
WSET-certified instruction
Marinus holds WSET Level 3 and Cape Wine Academy certification — the methodology is rigorous, the delivery is anything but.
- 02
A structured approach to tasting
You'll work through appearance, nose, palate, and conclusion — building a vocabulary that stays with you long after the session ends.
- 03
Focused on wines you'll actually buy
Mostly South African wines — Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Bordeaux blends — selected to show the range and character of the Cape.
- 04
Great for groups & corporate events
From birthday parties to company off-sites — we can run sessions for groups of any size at an estate, a venue of your choice, or on tour.
What to Expect
A typical session
Sessions can be adapted for any level — from complete beginners to people who already know their way around a cellar. We calibrate on the day.
Context & introduction
A brief overview of how wine is made and what we're looking for — enough to frame everything that follows without a lecture.
Sight & smell
We work through colour, clarity, and the nose — learning to identify aromas by origin (fruit, earth, oak, age) rather than guessing game.
Palate & structure
Acidity, tannin, body, finish — the building blocks that tell you how a wine was made and where it came from.
Blind tasting
An optional challenge: you apply what you've learned to a mystery wine. Most people are surprised how much they already know.
Notes & questions
We wrap up with a printed tasting sheet and time for any questions — plus recommendations for bottles to track down at home.
The setting
Where we taste,
and what we learn
Sessions can be held at an estate tasting room, a private venue, or woven into a full tour day. The Winelands is the best classroom there is.
Do I need any wine knowledge beforehand? +
None at all. Sessions are designed for all levels — we start from first principles and go as deep as the group wants.
How many wines do we taste? +
Typically 6–8 wines, chosen to show range and contrast — different cultivars, styles, and origins. The selection adapts to the group's interests.
Can this be combined with a tour? +
Yes — many guests add an educational element to a full tour day. We can weave structured tasting into estate visits rather than treating it as a separate session.
Is this suitable for corporate groups? +
Very much so. We've run sessions for teams of 8 to 40. We can arrange venue, catering, and a structured programme — just tell us the brief.
Can non-drinkers participate? +
Absolutely. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available throughout, and much of the learning translates directly — flavour structure, aroma identification, and terroir apply to many drinks.