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Raise your hand if you love these two words: “free” and “wine!” Whether you’re a wine novice or a pro, complimentary in-store tastings are one of the best ways to get to know what you like, expand your palate and allow you to try wines that may be beyond your budget.
With travel restrictions, mask mandates and capacity limitations lifting, more people are ready to swap out their Zoom sweatpants for IRL events. And, according to the 2022 US Wine Industry Trends report, consumers are eager for elevated hospitality experiences and on-premise wine education.
There’s an array of benefits to seeking out local tastings, too. These events not only support small local wine shops and tasting rooms, but also helps consumers understand who and what they’re drinking and opens the door for them to be a part of their wine community.
We asked a wine pro and a local wine shop for tips on how wine lovers can find free in-store tastings—and why they believe these experiences help build community.
