Your wine host
My name is Simon Benstead. After years in the business world, I turned my passion for wine into a job, transforming a hobby into a business. I’m studying for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, diving deeper into the wines of the world — from vineyard to glass.
Along the way, I've gained hands-on experience working in one of the country’s largest wine retailers, so I know what people are buying, what’s popular, and where to find real value. I’ve learnt much of this later in life, which is why I believe wine is for everyone. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a great bottle — just curiosity and an open mind.
I’m not a wine snob. I love sharing bottles, stories, and discoveries — whether that’s a perfectly made £8 rosé from the supermarket or a premium California Chardonnay or Premier Cru Burgundy. My wine tastings are designed to be fun, inclusive, and unpretentious, with a strong emphasis on discovery. You’ll learn a few interesting facts (and the geeky ones about soils and climates if you like!), and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
Whether you’re starting out, already have a decent level of wine knowledge or are looking for hidden gems that offer great value, I’ll guide you at your pace. I hold wine tastings and events throughout West Sussex.
Discover our amazing wine tastings in West Sussex
Home wine tastings
Private and group events
Private and group events
Get your friends together for a memorable evening filled with wine education! I’ll bring the wine to your home, arriving with 6 bottles, tasting glasses, and everything you need for a relaxed, entertaining wine tasting event. Together, we’ll explore each wine in an interactive tasting that lasts around 1.5 hours — perfect as a standalone wine event or as a fun way to kick off your night. From £20 per person, depending on your location and the wines chosen (minimum 6 people). You just invite the guests — I’ll provide the wine and the know-how.
Private and group events
Private and group events
Private and group events
Ideal for corporate events, team building, village halls, clubs, or community gatherings — anywhere you can host 6 to 50 people. Whether it’s an office party, local social, or a one-off wine tasting event, I’ll tailor the wines and the experience to suit your preferences. Relaxed and informative — the perfect way to bring people together over a shared love of wine. These wine education experiences are suitable for larger gatherings or even small wine events. Pricing on request, depending on the location, numbers, and wine selection. I can tailor the wines to suit you!
Venue collaborations
Private and group events
Venue collaborations
Perfect for cafés, restaurants, pubs, and bars seeking to host unique hospitality events. We will collaborate to create a relaxed and engaging wine tasting experience tailored to your audience. I’ll provide the wines, glasses, and tasting materials, along with plenty of wine education to keep your guests entertained. This approach is an excellent way to attract new customers, fill seats during quieter nights, and host wine events that your regulars will cherish. You can do a one-off event or we can plan a series of tastings to keep your customers coming back for more!
Ready made tastings or something more bespoke?
🍷 Six Supermarket Stars
Can great wine really come from your local supermarket shelf? We’ll blind taste six bottles from the supermarkets and uncover which ones punch above their price tag. Will some over deliver and leave you wanting more.
💸 £10 vs. £20: Can You Taste the Difference?
Does spending double really taste twice as good? In this head-to-head tasting, we’ll compare everyday wines with their pricier rivals to see where the value really lies. Perfect for bargain hunters and wine enthusiasts alike.
🏝️ Hot vs. Cool: The Climate Challenge
From crisp, elegant Rieslings to rich, sun-soaked Shiraz, we’ll explore how heat and sun shape flavour, alcohol, and body. Learn to taste the sunshine — and spot your perfect climate match.
🍇 The Big Six Grapes
A whistle-stop tour of the world’s most famous grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. We’ll discover what makes them timeless, how to recognise their key traits, and why these classics dominate wine lists everywhere.
🌍 The Road Less Travelled
Think you know wine? Think again. Taste your way through characterful, lesser-known grapes like Grüner Veltliner, Tannat, and Nero d’Avola. Discover exciting new favourites from unexpected corners of the world — and expand your palate beyond the usual suspects.
🥂 Fizz Fest: A Sparkling Showdown
Prosecco, Cava, Crémant, Champagne — and a couple of wildcards too. Learn how bubbles are made, what makes sparkling wine so special, and how to find your perfect fizz. A joyful, celebratory tasting guaranteed to put some sparkle in your glass.
🌸 Pretty in Pink: The Rosé Revolution
From the pale elegance of Provence to bold, berry-rich Spanish rosados, we’ll explore the full spectrum of rosé. Taste dry vs. sweet, still vs. sparkling, and discover why rosé is now a serious year-round favourite.
🪵 Oak vs. Unoaked: The Great Debate
From the creamy vanilla of barrel-aged Chardonnay to the zesty purity of unoaked styles, this tasting reveals how wood transforms wine. We’ll explore how winemakers use oak for flavour, texture, and balance — and which style suits your taste best.
🍷 Mystery Wine Night
Part tasting, part game, part detective story. You’ll use sight, smell, and taste to unmask each wine’s true identity — guessing the grape, country, or region. It’s interactive, competitive, and guaranteed to sharpen your senses (and your bragging rights).
🔮 Old World vs. New World
France vs. Chile, Italy vs. Australia — same grapes, different continents. Discover how tradition, terroir, and technology shape the glass in front of you. Expect fascinating contrasts and maybe the odd surprise along the way.
🎨 Invent your own: The Wine Experience, your way
Got a wild idea? Let’s make it happen. From Louis Roederer Cristal vs. Prosecco to England vs. The World, or even “Wines I’d Take to a Desert Island”, we’ll design a tasting just for you. Whether it’s a team night, a birthday bash, or a serious showdown between Bordeaux and Burgundy, I’ll create a bespoke experience that fits your taste, budget, and sense of fun. You bring the concept — I’ll bring the wine and the knowledge.
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