There have been a couple of times when I find a really delicious wine, it makes me want to go purchase it at my local wine shop and take it home to savour. I love the thought of being able to try and recreate that dining experience at home, I think all of us secretly dream of that. It’s a fraction of the cost and a nice little accomplishment when you can reach that calibre. But have you ever brought that same bottle of wine home and it fall flat and not what you remembered drinking before?

Recently I tried a bottle of Beringer Syrah from California. At the restaurant it was sassy, bold and everything I adore in a good red. At home it was, well, average. What was the deal with that? I made sure I got the same winery, grape and even year, anything that could be a factor to influence the tasty goodness inside. So what went wrong?

Curious to know, I asked my wine ‘master’ who has taken a few wine courses for his bartending. Thinking I was being a clever padawan, I suggested the temperature served and the glasses used. He shrugged and said well yes, but to my shock the factor he was more convinced was the key to the difference was ambience.

At first I was skeptical, all that flavour came from where I drank it? I wasn’t buying it. He continued on listing reasons why setting would influence my taste to explain it to me. The more I liked my surrounding, from where I was sitting, the general feel of the place and yes even who I was with, the more I was likely to enjoy the wine. After about 10 minutes of debating I started to see the logic to it. Although I like my apartment and have a nice view, there is something exotic, a certain je ne sais quoi that eating out has, after all isn’t that a big reason why we enjoy dining out?

So now I’m left wondering where does this leave enjoying wine at home? Every time I crack open a bottle of red, am I meant to ignite the gas fire and light some candles to get my tastebuds in the mood? Or do I need to accept maybe my wine won’t necessarily appear as exceptional as when I’m out?

For me the jury is still out, although I do have the comforting fact that I have enjoyed some truly great tasting wines with no setting enhancements required. What’s your take on the matter? Do you find you enjoy wine just as much in a home setting?

Festival Details
Launch date: Saturday May 8th, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Duration: The Spot Prawn Festival will run for eight weeks
Buying times: After 1pm daily
Location: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf