How to Host a Successful Wine Tasting Event (even if you know nothing about wine!)

Many bar owners steer away from offering more than a handful of quarter bottles of wine due to lack of knowledge or experience with this drink of the Gods. However, ignoring the opportunities that wine offers your business means you could be turning away business without even knowing it.

One way to increase your customer numbers midweek or during the slow season is to host a wine tasting event .Now I know what most of you are saying: "We don't know enough about wine to host a wine tasting", or "I wouldn't know where to begin..."!

But before you knock this idea on it's head, consider the following:

1. A Wine Tasting Event allows you to create awareness in the community of your wine list and drinks menu.
2. It allows you the opportunity to fill the bar with thirsty wine enthusiasts on nights where you would otherwise be quiet.
3. It positions you as an expert in the wine field and builds trust in you and your bar.
4. It rewards existing customers with "something for nothing".
5. It can create a following of new customers keen to return again and again.
6. It can be sponsored by your wine suppliers and thus end up costing you nothing.

From: http://www.barkeeper.ie/page.asp?menu=104&page=324
How to Host a Successful Wine Tasting Event (even if you know nothing about wine!)