pc79 wrote:Hi Kevin, surely common sense/manners would be observed? 10people = 75mL pours. 7 people = 100mL etc. I would consider it awfully rude if anyone helped themselves to any of the wines, be it a $6 cleany or a $400 burgundy and would be mortified if they were my 'guest'. An eternal red card would need to issued. TBH I was quite surprised that there was still plenty left over after the bottles went around the table for nine attendants on my debut appearance. I would have thought that the bottles may have been spread a bit thin, but the courteousness of everyone was great and we were able to go back to those that we liked for a second try if we so desired.
Well, I don't think they're thinking of it that way...I think a lot of people are used to a full glass of wine and people are just going to drink what they like..they're not thinking everyone wants to try every wine...Probably seems obvious with Wine geeks on how it should be handled but maybe less so if you didn't really think about it.
Yeah, I think generally there is some left over if we have 10 or less...really most people take about 55-60mls....
Bobthebuilder wrote:geez you gotta be quick around here!
Yes, it is getting pretty crazy...which is good...It probably means there needs to be MORE offlines (I'm not joking).
Polymer wrote:I've been thinking about how to say this without it coming across as being too direct but I figure I'll say it anyways in case it saves everyone from a rather uncomfortable setting down the line.
Please don't take this as I'm speaking about your wife because I have no idea what the situation will be...I'm speaking more in general so you're aware of the situation...
A lot of times when there are guests at offlines, they're definitely not used to how these offlines work and really, to be fair, how would they be?..most people, are used to the idea of drinking wine and drinking what they like. So the examples of this are: We had some guests at one of the offlines but just naturally they poured themselves full glasses from a 500ml bottle which basically meant the 4 people ahead of them had a chance to try it but everyone else behind them didn't....In one case, there was a situation where one guest didn't want to drink most of the other wines but only a few particular bottles..of which she poured a very full glass thinking that was the only thing she was going to drink so it works out as "fair"...
I'm not blaming any of the guests because really, in a normal dinner setting, you're going to pour yourself a glass of wine. You're only going to drink the wine you want to drink...but in these particular settings, it definitely is not going to go over well. Not sure if anyone will say anything at the time (I've seen this happen a few time and no one ever says anything) but I figure I'd mention this anyways..for this offline or for any other offline....and for whatever reason, Pinot ones tend to have a bit more seriousness about them.....
This is a difficult subject, delicately approached. Not sure anyone who has been to an offline could be offended by this, but this is a forum.......
My 2c on the matter. An offline is probably not the right environment for someone who wants to come and have two glasses of something. It's more a place to sample, learn, discuss, nerd out about a subject matter that all attendees have in common. All attendees from this forum (i'm sure) would be courteous enough to understand this, and divvy up their pours appropriately depending on the number of attendees at the dinner. I don't think that it's all that much of a delicate subject, just common sense and manners should come to the fore in this particular environment. I trust that everyone coming to the Pinot offline, or any other for that matter, will understand this. Simple footy really.
pc79 wrote:My 2c on the matter. An offline is probably not the right environment for someone who wants to come and have two glasses of something. It's more a place to sample, learn, discuss, nerd out about a subject matter that all attendees have in common. All attendees from this forum (i'm sure) would be courteous enough to understand this, and divvy up their pours appropriately depending on the number of attendees at the dinner. I don't think that it's all that much of a delicate subject, just common sense and manners should come to the fore in this particular environment. I trust that everyone coming to the Pinot offline, or any other for that matter, will understand this. Simple footy really.
pc79 wrote:My 2c on the matter. An offline is probably not the right environment for someone who wants to come and have two glasses of something. It's more a place to sample, learn, discuss, nerd out about a subject matter that all attendees have in common. All attendees from this forum (i'm sure) would be courteous enough to understand this, and divvy up their pours appropriately depending on the number of attendees at the dinner. I don't think that it's all that much of a delicate subject, just common sense and manners should come to the fore in this particular environment. I trust that everyone coming to the Pinot offline, or any other for that matter, will understand this. Simple footy really.
Yeah..Forum members will know..it is the occasional "guest" that is sometimes unaware of the situation...
Also a lot of newcomers probably see the pours and worry that they won't get much of a drink that night so they do a big pour. What they don't realise is that there is usually nearly 2 bottles per person, by the time the backups, 'wanted to try this', 'just got this in the other day', 'wanted peoples thoughts on this' come out. For me as a usual driver and bascially sober observer of the end of the night, it's the pacing that is the biggest problem for the newcomers.
To re-iterate what pc79 says it's more about sampling, being exposed to wines you wouldn't normally try and see, rather than imbibing really special bottles. I wouldn't expect/want people to rock up with Granges, HoGs, DRC on these types of events. Also it gives you the chance to have a conversation with someone who might be a real lover of the region/style so they are a wealth of knowledge/experience and can teach you about the wines/region etc or wines in general in a relaxed environment.
Although most people that have, don't remember doing so...or how they got home that night....There are rumors of Love Tilly Devine and Jagermeister....
Had completely forgotten about this coming up, had to rush to the family calender to make sure it hadn't been booked in apready. A bump in case others are as disorganised as I am.
Also interested in peoples offerings for the night. I will be going new world most likely, still working out what though.
wow, you Sydney guys know how to hold an off-line!!! howz about you organise a La Paulee like event one time, you might get a few inter-staters along, and if I can fit it in with a trip tom Melbourne, I will also be there. I would be very happy to share some decent Bords and Burgs with like-minded wine lovers
felixp wrote:wow, you Sydney guys know how to hold an off-line!!! howz about you organise a La Paulee like event one time, you might get a few inter-staters along, and if I can fit it in with a trip tom Melbourne, I will also be there. I would be very happy to share some decent Bords and Burgs with like-minded wine lovers
There have been some private La Paulee type events....Rare Wine Dinners is doing their own one (so not BYO)..some awesome wines there and worth travelling for.
Also, if you're going to be in Sydney (or Melbourne and considering flying over for a day or so) you can always post on here that you'd want to meet up...I'm sure plenty of people would be keen...Set a theme, ask for some help finding a place to do it if you need it, etc....
One thing is pretty clear, that there is some pent up demand for more offlines in Sydney....I think before we'd struggle a bit to get to 10 but lately, regardless of the theme, if you aren't logging in the day of, you're on the reserve list...
Guys I just realized the 16th is when I am up at the Hunter for a long weekend with my wife and seeing Olivia Newton John and John Farnham (hasn't he retired at least four times?) so I must bow out and not bring that DRC I was planning
I do have reservations of thirteen people for an offline though, you just won't get enough individual pours (<60ml) to do any of the wines justice. Ten would be a maximum. **end of rant**
Enjoy the night! David.
Imugene, cure for cancer. Brainchip, solution for compute.
Hi all, At presen't we're at capacity with 12 booked in (despite David's cancellation and retraction of his DRC offer - rude!). wilzb, we will have you on the reserves bench in case of any other cancellations. I am in agreement that stretching the tastings beyond 10 makes pour sizes somewhat sensitive and generally there will be little left over to re visit later in the evening. Looking fwd to this one. I'll be flying to the states the following day. Will be interesting!
It does seem to me that 2 bottles per person when there are like 12 of us is going to be a bit hectic. Especially if it is 90% pinot. That's a lot of pinot!
Anyhow I just thought I would add my 2 cents for anyone that is new to the offlines which is that 2 bottles is certainly not expected at all. I think when there are only like 6 of you it is nice if a few guys bring 2 bottles and you end up with like 9 or 10 to try but it is totally unnecessary, especially with such a large group.
Scott
You can find me on Instagram at oz_oenophile Follow for my little wine journey.
It does seem to me that 2 bottles per person when there are like 12 of us is going to be a bit hectic. Especially if it is 90% pinot. That's a lot of pinot!
Anyhow I just thought I would add my 2 cents for anyone that is new to the offlines which is that 2 bottles is certainly not expected at all. I think when there are only like 6 of you it is nice if a few guys bring 2 bottles and you end up with like 9 or 10 to try but it is totally unnecessary, especially with such a large group.
Someone needs to design a 'don't miss the offline' app!
