Hey Guys!
I was thinking the other day... 'Why havn't I been to an offline yet'...
Despite having absolutely no doubts that the people on this site are awesome I still cant shake a tiny fear of not fitting in... Under 30, with a growing knowledge of wine that is still very 'imature' in its articulation..
Im keen to understand if any first timers out there have similar thoughts and if they would be interested in having a crack at a 'First Timers Offline'!!!
Thoughts?
Melbourne First Timers Offline
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Having been in your position not all that long ago, I can relate to the feelings of trepidation and intimidation before attending your first offline.
In saying that, my experiences have been anything but.
I've learned a lot from some of the more experienced posters here and have had many wonderful opportunities to try wines I would never otherwise have been able to.
All the while I was never once made to feel 'inferior' or 'amateur'.
Why not kick off the next Melbourne offline with an open invitation - apparently the last one was brilliant (still shattered I couldn't make it)!
I think you'll find it to be a very rewarding experience in your wine journey.
In saying that, my experiences have been anything but.
I've learned a lot from some of the more experienced posters here and have had many wonderful opportunities to try wines I would never otherwise have been able to.
All the while I was never once made to feel 'inferior' or 'amateur'.
Why not kick off the next Melbourne offline with an open invitation - apparently the last one was brilliant (still shattered I couldn't make it)!
I think you'll find it to be a very rewarding experience in your wine journey.
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toofastdriving
- Posts: 74
- Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 9:04 pm
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
I would be keen on this. Mid-30s here, haven't yet gone on any wine appreciation/education courses even though I've been meaning to. I know what I like, but haven't tired that much of the 'good' stuff yet. Kind of avoided offlines - as much as I'd love to drink everyone else's nice wine and have something good to contribute myself, feel like I need to learn more before I do.
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
I reckon you should have a few 'old hands' on deck to help with the running of the night. They can assist in working out flights, timing, general etiquette, knowledge, experience. People who are experienced love sharing their knowledge/experience with others. It's the best way to learn about wine in general. Most of the wine tragics I know are almost evangelistic in their love of wine, they love that you are getting into wine and the journey you have just begun.
Hell if it was me I'd be rocking up with about 6-8 bottles as I wouldn't be able to whittle it down to ones I would want you to try/experience.
Hell if it was me I'd be rocking up with about 6-8 bottles as I wouldn't be able to whittle it down to ones I would want you to try/experience.
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Cloth Ears
- Posts: 314
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 9:03 pm
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Having been to a couple of the nights, and only being an imbiber (not any sort of expert), I can say you have nothing to worry about. All the people I met on the evenings (or that BBQ) were great, with the chat being wide-ranging and interesting. By all means try a 1st timers dinner, but allowing a couple of old-timers to be there wouldn't hurt (and they've got some yummy wines there also).
Jonathan
"It is impossible to build a fool proof system; because fools are so ingenious."
"It is impossible to build a fool proof system; because fools are so ingenious."
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Diddy wrote:Having been in your position not all that long ago, I can relate to the feelings of trepidation and intimidation before attending your first offline.
In saying that, my experiences have been anything but.
I've learned a lot from some of the more experienced posters here and have had many wonderful opportunities to try wines I would never otherwise have been able to.
All the while I was never once made to feel 'inferior' or 'amateur'.
Why not kick off the next Melbourne offline with an open invitation - apparently the last one was brilliant (still shattered I couldn't make it)!
I think you'll find it to be a very rewarding experience in your wine journey.
Well said, Diddy. If anyone has a preconceived stereotype that only wine snobs or wine wankers attend these events then they are completely wrong. I've encountered nothing but generosity and a willingness to share knowledge at the offlines I've attended.
My only regret is not starting going to offlines sooner. If it helps anyone break the ice, consider bringing a friend with you.
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Completely agree....The one regret you'll have after attending some offlines is why didn't you start going sooner....A lot of really extreme generosity by so many attendees...and everyone is just there to talk about something they really enjoy....
You will find that you'll learn a lot and you'll get to try a lot of things you might never have had the opportunity or inclination to try.
You will find that you'll learn a lot and you'll get to try a lot of things you might never have had the opportunity or inclination to try.
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Yeah definitely just take the plunge. I felt a bit intimidated going to my first offline, just a short time after joining the forum and a few months after getting in to serious collecting, but that lasted about 2 minutes after I arrived. The whole concept is very generous and that is followed through in person. Bite the bullet and you won't look back.
Well, I assume so anyway. I mean, that is how we roll in Sydney, Victorians...
Kidding
Well, I assume so anyway. I mean, that is how we roll in Sydney, Victorians...
Kidding
You can find me on Instagram at oz_oenophile
Follow for my little wine journey.
Follow for my little wine journey.
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Agree with all the posts above, have no fear! I went to my first last year and did not know what to expect but loved it and every following offline i have attended!
I'm only 23 and initially intimidated by everyones knowledge and expertise(and wine collections) but what you learn from the 'veterans'(no offence guys
) is invaluable!
Hope to meet you soon
Alex
I'm only 23 and initially intimidated by everyones knowledge and expertise(and wine collections) but what you learn from the 'veterans'(no offence guys
) is invaluable! Hope to meet you soon
Alex
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
I agree with the sentiments here. Old fart myself, but still very happy to share an enjoyment of wine and experience what everyone can bring to the table, you can never stop learning. My experience and advice is that everyone is very generous and happy to share. Off lines are great for venturing into territories otherwise unvisited, even managed to get to a couple in Sydney earlier this year as work had me stationed there for a few months, great to meet fellow forumites, even if there's too much pinot in Sydney 
.
No need to be anxious, everyone is there with the enjoyment of wine in mind. I am a bit pi$$ed I missed the last off-line in Melbourne (due to a double booking as it turned out), would happily contribute to an off line encouraging a few first timers to attend.
cheers, Malcolm
. No need to be anxious, everyone is there with the enjoyment of wine in mind. I am a bit pi$$ed I missed the last off-line in Melbourne (due to a double booking as it turned out), would happily contribute to an off line encouraging a few first timers to attend.
cheers, Malcolm
veni, vidi, bibi
Also on instagram m_j_short
Also on instagram m_j_short
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Michael McNally
- Posts: 2091
- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:06 pm
- Location: Brisbane
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
I must say the age of the people at the Melbourne Offline I went to a couple weeks ago was encouraging. Plenty of yougnuns!
No pretensions and everyone was just saying what they thought about the wines. The older folks (I don't want to include myself here but I was probably in the older half of the group) were as hopeless as the rest at guessing the regions of the wines. Don't worry, not all offlines are done blind - though I reckon it's a great leveller!
Take the plunge!
Cheers
Michael
No pretensions and everyone was just saying what they thought about the wines. The older folks (I don't want to include myself here but I was probably in the older half of the group) were as hopeless as the rest at guessing the regions of the wines. Don't worry, not all offlines are done blind - though I reckon it's a great leveller!
Take the plunge!
Cheers
Michael
Bonum Vinum Laetificat Cor Hominis
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toofastdriving
- Posts: 74
- Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 9:04 pm
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Look forward to hearing about the next one then!
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Is there an offline soon? How often are they organised?
I'm keen to do my 1st if theres one coming up and one of the more experienced crew can get one off the ground.
I'm keen to do my 1st if theres one coming up and one of the more experienced crew can get one off the ground.
Re: Melbourne First Timers Offline
Just do it brokewino! It's not difficult.
Pick a date (or two), we find Wed/Thurs/Fri are most suited, but you can always offer a thurs or a sat and see how people are placed. You will always get some people who can't do a date, don't get carried away with trying to accommodate everyone, sometimes it's like herding cats and you just have to make an exec decision. I would suggest 10 people is a good number, but anything from 4 - 14 works too!
Find a venue - enough elbow room, not too noisy, decent food (able to be spread out over quite a few hours), close to transport and of course BYO friendly! Call to check availability, and check corkage etc so you can give attendees a vague idea of the food/corkage/service charge.
Choose a theme, or just do a general 'bring a nice bottle you're keen to open with fellow enthusiasts' theme.
Once you ask them, they will come.....!!
And even if you start with only 4 or 5 people, it's always great fun.
Pick a date (or two), we find Wed/Thurs/Fri are most suited, but you can always offer a thurs or a sat and see how people are placed. You will always get some people who can't do a date, don't get carried away with trying to accommodate everyone, sometimes it's like herding cats and you just have to make an exec decision. I would suggest 10 people is a good number, but anything from 4 - 14 works too!
Find a venue - enough elbow room, not too noisy, decent food (able to be spread out over quite a few hours), close to transport and of course BYO friendly! Call to check availability, and check corkage etc so you can give attendees a vague idea of the food/corkage/service charge.
Choose a theme, or just do a general 'bring a nice bottle you're keen to open with fellow enthusiasts' theme.
Once you ask them, they will come.....!!
And even if you start with only 4 or 5 people, it's always great fun.