MEMBERSHIP
Top
ARE YOU A SOCIAL CLUB OR A CLUB FOR LEARNING? CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE MORE ABOUT IT ?
Sure! This is a commonly asked question. Below you can find information about the club and its members.
The purpose is to try as many things as possible. We do this knowing that we are not going to like them all! The aim is to find out which one we do like so that we are able to make better decisions when spending our hard earned dosh!
With so many different styles of events, you can pick and choose your objective depending on your mood.
If you would like to seriously learn, than we offer courses and classes. The other benefits are that we publish a monthly newsletter, with a follow up tasting, so that you can actually taste what your reading about.
Of course, with any club, there is always a social element. Most people would like to learn about food and drink, but may not be so interested in the soils and finer details. Even if you are serious about learning, sometimes the stresses of our everyday lives means that we need to relax a bit. This is when a tasting combined with a social activity really hits the spot!
The best thing about our Tasting Club, is that you decide what you would like to receive from your membership by selecting from our wide range of events.
“ Really great night, I was going initially
going to learn about wine, but the social aspect was a real bonus.
Kelly was a fantastic host and I look forward to attending more of her
events. ” JP
'I like food and wine but I don't really know anything'
Many wine tasting groups are filled with old farts, swilling their
wines. We offer a range of tastings to suit all levels of knowledge and
interest. We are certainly not a group of piss-heads, but we do like to
have fun!
Most of our members know nothing about wine when they first join. They
just know that they like it! Now they are slowing building their wine
knowledge and having fun at the same time. Our goal is to teach everyone how to order a wine at the bar, so forgot saying 'I'll have a dry white, please' and start inquiring... 'Do you have a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand?'
We do have a few members that are 'know-it-alls' but the best thing is they are down to earth and happy to share with others.
'What is the average age of your members?'
Most of our members are in there late 20's to early 40's but as long as you enjoy learning and meeting new people you are welcomed.
'How many members are regular attendees at events?'
We have a few members that have been to 3 different 'Introduction to
wine tastings: How to Waste Time and Taste Wine'. When asked if they
are ready to teach the course, one replied, 'we always learn something
new, we always taste different wines and have a great time! Plus...
with the amount you serve us, it's hard to remember everything!'
- 20% have been to 2 or more events
- 30% have been to 5 or more events
- 50% is there first time
'Why do people join?'
People join for different reasons:
- they are serious about learning
- or they may just be interested in learning in a fun way!
- some people like that they can meet up with friends to have a day/night out without organising it themselves
- like the idea of trying new food and drink
- the events are well organised, fun and interesting
- find out about new restaurants and things that are happening in London
- discounts/free tickets to festivals
'I would like to attend with a date or my partner, and just learn about food and wine- not socialise with others'
This is completely fine too! If you are attending a speed-tasting event, all you have to do is talk with the host at the beginning of the evening and they will make a few tweeks on your cards and you will be partners all night! Or you could sign up for one of our classes which has more emphasis on learning.
'Most of my friends lead active lives and it is hard to get them to commit to attending an event with me.'
Ideally, you would send the link to 20 of your friends and 5 would respond as available and interested. But this rarely happens!
In London there is so much to do, if you sit around and wait for your
friends to get their acts together than you are going to be missing
some of the best experiences London has to offer. With our events,
although it is great to bring a friend, the emphasis is on the
food/drink and having a experience. Some of the comments we have
received, are ' This is the best day I have had since I moved to
england.' and if you are English, ' I can't believe I have never been
here before!'
'What type of people attend the events?'
Well we all like wine, food and drink... We come from diverse backgrounds and tend to be well traveled.
'I am really nervous about coming to the event alone'
About 75% of the attendees will be in the same boat. We are a welcoming group, keen to meet other people who share the same interest as us.
When you sign in, the host will introduce you to to another member, so you will never have to feel the presure to make the introduction yourself. Plus, due to the structure of our events, for example: seat rotations & team activities, interacting and mingling occurs naturally! Within minutes you will be making friends
Just don't forget as everyone shares the passion of food and drink, we all have something in common... so it's easy to find something to break the ice with!
Here is a comment we received the other day: 'I am so glad I finally made it to an event. I was really nervous to comeon my own, but the group was so friendly and welcoming. I really wish Ihad not worked myself up about it - the night was perfect, this is justthe type of event London needs for meeting people in a friendly relaxedatmosphere. I have already booked on to the Olive Oil event!'
EVENTS
Top
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A TASTING EVENT, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Our events are different than any other tasting event you will attend. We are not selling wine or a particular product, therefore we are trying to teach you basic tasting techniques that you can apply in your everyday life.
It really depends what event you attend. We have many different
styles which require a range of concentrations levels on your part. Some events the learning
section is 90% and others it is only 10%.
Our style is to introduce you to a new taste and give you a few
one-liners/eye popping facts. Regardless of your current level of
knowledge, you will always
leave feeling like you have tried something new and learned at least
one or two pieces of take-away information.
In our courses and classes the tutors will challenge your current knowledge and strengthen your unfamiliar areas. We
often do comparisons of two styles, blind tastings and competitive
games to make the learning fun and varied.
The other difference you will notice is at our tastings we are not stingy with the sample size! Most tasting samples are 25ml. We pour 75-100ml! Meaning that, unless otherwise noted, we usually provide you with just under a bottle of wine.
Top
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
In general, people just wear what they wear to work, without their tie. On the weekends, it is usually khakis/jeans, or dresses. Smart casual is safe. Where a dress code applies, such as cocktail dresses or suits, it is clearly stated. Of course, walking events require good sturdy shoes, so no stilettos please : )
Top
WHAT IF I AM LATE FOR AN EVENT?
Our rule of thumb is to allow 15 - 30 minutes before we begin the formal part of the evening. Each event will vary. We will endeavor to reserve your tastings allocations, but after 30 minutes we can not guarantee this.
PAYMENTS
Top
DO I HAVE TO BUY A TICKET, OR CAN I JUST SHOW UP ON THE NIGHT?
Yes, you have to buy a ticket, there is a limited number of tickets
(seats/food/drinks) for each event. Occasionally this will not apply,
but for an organised tasting this will always be the case
Top
I WOULD LIKE TO BUY A TICKET FOR AN EVENT, BUT THE SITE WILL NOT LET ME
If you are already a member, and the event details above the registration page is still in light grey:
This event is not open for registration yet. Details are still waiting to be confirmed. Members will be notified when the even is accepting bookings. Just save the date for now! : )
If you have not filled in the application form, and you are not a member, then you need to join to attend the event.
Top
HOW DO I BUY A TICKET?
Making your payment for an event is easy! But first you will need to join as a member of this site. If you are already a member,
- 1. Click Register, and choose your ticket option on the next screen.
- 2. Click Next
- 3. The site will direct you to your PayPal
Please make payment when you register. Registering without payment does not confirm your space. If tickets are sold out and you have not paid, then you will not be able to attend the event.
I REGISTERED BUT DID NOT COMPLETE PAYMENT
If you did not complete payment and you attempt to re-register and receive the following notification:
- Click register
- If this message appears: User is already registered for event. Status pending.
- Click NEXT (bottom right hand corner) and re-register for the event
- You will be directed to PayPal
THE SITE WILL ONLY LET ME PAY FOR 1 PERSON
Please log out and purchase a non member ticket using your friends email (or your own, if you prefer) in a seperate transaction. Purchasing more than 1 ticket in the same transaction is not currently an option. We are looking into this for when we upgrade the website.
Top
I HAVE REGISTERED FOR THE EVENT, BUT HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING MY REGISTRATION IS PENDING AND NOT COMPLETE
Most likely you have not completed payment.
Please open your account, edit your registration and complete payment
Top
I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND AN EVENT, BUT OF THE OPTIONS ON THE REGISTRATION PAGE, THE FIRST OPTION IS IN RED
You have not joined as a member of
www.tastour.co.uk
Please fill in your membership profile under the heading JOIN FOR FREE TODAY
Top
I AM A MEMBER OF WWW.TASTOUR.CO.UK, BUT THE OPTION THAT I WOULD LIKE IS IN A SHADE OF LIGHT GREY AND THERE IS NO OPTION TO SELECT IT.
This option is now sold out.
Please register under the waiting list option or another option
Top
I HAVE PREPAID FOR AN EVENT, WILL YOU CONFIRM YOU HAVE RECEIVED PAYMENT?
Please do not email to confirm your payment until you have:
- Checked your email account for your confirmation email
- Checked your credit card statement account
If you do not receive an email confirmation and your paypal account has no record of the transaction, please email us.
Top
DO I NEED TO BRING THE EMAIL CONFIRMATION TO THE EVENT?
No, I will have a guest list with your name on it.
FULLY BOOKED EVENTS
Top
I REGISTERED ON THE SITE, BUT DID NOT PAY. NOW THE EVENT SAYS FULLY BOOKED/SOLD OUT AND THERE IS NO LINK TO BUY MY TICKET
Almost all of our events have limited number of tickets available.
This is because there is usually a limited number of seats or the venue
may have restrictions on the number of people they can accommodate for
health and safety reasons.
If the event says fully booked, no tickets available, tickets sold out,
no spots available then unfortunately you can not attend this event.
Currently all of our events are selling out, and usually at least a
week or 2 before the event.
Top
IF I EMAIL YOU, WILL YOU ADD ME TO THE WAITING LIST?
No, you can only be added to the waiting list if you register this option on the ticketing site (CLICK REGISTER to buy your ticket)
Top
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I AM REGISTERED ON THE WAITING LIST?
All members registered as waiting list will be notified in the case of a cancellation or additional tickets becoming available. We will notify you via email or phone if you have registered your phone number. The ticket will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Top
I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT THERE WAS A TICKET AVAILABLE, BUT WHEN I WENT TO THE REGISTRATION PAGE, THE ONLY OPTION WAS FOR THE WAITING LIST
Unfortunately, the ticket that was available has been purchased by another member . Your name will remain on the list and if another ticket becomes available you will be contacted.
REFUNDS
Top
I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO MAKE THE EVENT, WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Unfortunately, due to the low cost of the events and our commitment to the purchase of the food and drink the the following applies:
If event is due to take place more than 4 weeks away we will offer a refund, with an admin charge of £5
PLEASE NOTE: This option is not available for all events
Within 2-4 weeks of the event we will offer a 50 % refund.
PLEASE NOTE: This option is not available for all events
Within 2 weeks of the event, no refund will be offered.
Top
I DIDN'T REALISE THE REFUND POLICY WHEN I BOOKED THE EVENT, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO?
This is a similar policy of concert or theater tickets, so this is not unusual. We will do everything we can to accommodate your change of plans, but we can not guarantee this
Top
CAN I TRANSFER MY PAYMENT TO ANOTHER EVENT?
Unfortunately due to the low cost of the events I do not have the means to keep track of transfers. It becomes very complicated and although we would love to help you out, we need to make sure that the admin is kept to a minimum so that we can spend more time organising fantastic events.
Top
CAN I TRANSFER MY TICKET TO SOMEONE ELSE
Of course you can sell it/give it away. You do not need to confirm this with us, your guest will be able to check in under your name.
- Email your friends
- Ask around work (this is what most people do and find it most successful)