How to Start a Wine Tasting Group in Long Beach

Long Beach, with its vibrant coastal culture, diverse population, and thriving food and beverage scene, is an ideal city to launch a wine tasting group. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, forming a community of wine enthusiasts offers more than just social gatherings—it creates a space for education, connection, and shared appreciation of one of the world’s most nuanced beverages. Starting a wine tasting group in Long Beach isn’t just about pouring wine and chatting; it’s about cultivating a culture of mindful tasting, thoughtful discussion, and local engagement. This guide will walk you through every step needed to build a sustainable, engaging, and memorable wine tasting group in the heart of Southern California.

The importance of such a group extends beyond personal enjoyment. Wine tasting groups foster deeper understanding of viticulture, regional differences, pairing techniques, and even sustainability practices in winemaking. In Long Beach, where the proximity to Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and the Central Coast wine regions offers easy access to exceptional wines, a well-organized group can become a hub for local wine culture. Moreover, these gatherings often lead to partnerships with local wineries, restaurants, and wine shops, enhancing community ties and supporting small businesses.

This tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step blueprint for launching your own wine tasting group in Long Beach—complete with best practices, essential tools, real-world examples, and answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to turn your passion for wine into a thriving, recurring event that locals will look forward to each month.

Step-by-Step Guide

Define Your Group’s Purpose and Theme

Before inviting your first member, clarify the core purpose of your group. Are you focused on learning about Old World vs. New World wines? Do you want to explore organic and biodynamic producers? Are you interested in pairing wines with Long Beach’s diverse cuisine? Defining your theme early prevents aimless gatherings and helps attract like-minded individuals.

Consider these common themes:

• Regional Focus: Spotlighting wines from Santa Barbara County, Paso Robles, or even international regions like Bordeaux or Piedmont.
• Varietal Exploration: One grape per meeting—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, etc.—comparing different expressions.
• Price Point Challenges: Tasting wines under $20, $30, or $50 to discover value-driven bottles.
• Food and Wine Pairings: Collaborating with local chefs or caterers to create dishes that elevate the tasting experience.
• Sustainability and Ethics: Highlighting wineries with organic, biodynamic, or carbon-neutral practices.

Once your theme is set, name your group. Choose something memorable and reflective of Long Beach—such as “The Shoreline Sippers,” “Long Beach Vineyard Circle,” or “The Queen Mary Tasters.” A distinctive name helps with branding and online discoverability.

Identify Your Target Audience

Who are you inviting? Your audience shapes the tone, frequency, and format of your meetings. Are you targeting young professionals in Downtown Long Beach? Retirees in Naples? Students from CSULB? Each group has different preferences.

Younger demographics may prefer casual, social gatherings with craft wines and snacks at a rooftop bar. Older or more serious enthusiasts might appreciate structured tastings with detailed notes and guest speakers. Consider starting with a hybrid model: a monthly evening event with both educational and social elements to appeal to a broad audience.

Use local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Meetup.com to gauge interest. Post a short survey asking: “Would you join a monthly wine tasting group focused on [your theme]? What’s your ideal setting?” This feedback will help you tailor your format before committing resources.

Choose a Consistent Meeting Format

Consistency builds trust and habit. Decide on:

• Frequency: Monthly is ideal for most groups. Quarterly is better for larger, more expensive tastings.
• Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours allows enough time for tasting, discussion, and transitions.
• Location: Rotate venues to keep things fresh. Options include private homes, wine bars (like The Wine House or The Cellar Door), community centers (e.g., Long Beach Public Library meeting rooms), or even outdoor patios at local restaurants.

For your first few meetings, host at your home to keep costs low. Ensure you have enough glassware, a quiet space for discussion, and a way to spit or dispose of wine responsibly (many groups use plastic spittoons or paper cups). As you grow, consider partnering with a local wine shop that may offer space in exchange for promotion.

Curate the Wine Selection

Wine selection is the heart of your group. Avoid random bottles—each tasting should have intention. Plan your lineup around your theme. For example, if your theme is “California Chardonnay,” select one from Napa, one from Sonoma, one from Santa Barbara, and one from Monterey. Compare oak influence, acidity, and minerality.

Tip: Buy 3–5 bottles per session, each in 375ml half-bottles to allow for multiple tastings without overconsumption. This also keeps costs manageable. You can split the cost among attendees or have a small $10–$15 cover fee to cover wine, glasses, and snacks.

Source wines from local retailers like:

• The Wine House (Downtown Long Beach)
• Wine Library (Long Beach)
• Beach Cities Wine & Spirits (Signal Hill)
• Costco (for value-driven bottles with consistent quality)

Many retailers offer discounts for bulk purchases or private tastings if you explain your group’s educational purpose. Don’t hesitate to ask.

Prepare a Tasting Framework

A structured tasting keeps conversations meaningful. Use the “Sight, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor” method:

1. Sight: Observe color and clarity. Is it pale gold or deep amber? Does it have legs?
2. Swirl: Release aromas by gently rotating the glass.
3. Sniff: Identify fruit, floral, earthy, or oak notes. Is it citrusy? Buttery? Smoky?
4. Sip: Take a small sip. Let it coat your tongue. Note acidity, sweetness, tannins, and body.
5. Savor: Swallow or spit. What’s the finish? Long? Bitter? Lingering?

Create a simple one-page tasting sheet for each wine. Include space for ratings (1–5 stars), flavor notes, and personal impressions. Distribute these ahead of time or print them on the day. This transforms casual drinking into an educational experience.

Invite and Manage Members

Start small—5 to 10 people. Invite friends, coworkers, or people you meet at wine events. Use a Google Form to collect names, email addresses, dietary restrictions, and availability. Set a clear RSVP deadline (48–72 hours before the event) to finalize wine purchases.

Use a free tool like Mailchimp or Google Groups to send reminders, tasting notes, and post-event recaps. Keep communication warm and consistent. Send a thank-you note after each gathering with photos and a list of wines tasted.

Establish a simple code of conduct: no excessive drinking, respect for opinions, no wine snobbery. Encourage questions—even the “dumb” ones. The best tasting groups are inclusive, not intimidating.

Document and Share the Experience

Build an online presence. Create a free Instagram account or Facebook page for your group. Post photos of the wines, the setting, and candid moments (with permission). Write short captions explaining each wine’s origin and tasting notes. This not only builds community pride but also attracts new members organically.

Consider starting a simple blog or Google Doc with your tasting archives. Include: date, wines tasted, theme, key takeaways, and where to buy. This becomes a living resource for members and a valuable SEO asset if you ever want to expand into a local wine guide.

Plan for Growth and Rotation

As your group grows beyond 12 people, consider splitting into two smaller groups or introducing a host rotation. Let each member take a turn choosing the wine theme and organizing the tasting. This distributes workload and deepens engagement.

After 6–8 meetings, survey members: “What’s working? What could be better?” Adjust accordingly. Maybe you want to host a vineyard tour. Maybe you want to invite a sommelier for a Q&A. Let the group evolve with its members.

Best Practices

Embrace Inclusivity Over Elitism

Wine should be approachable. Avoid jargon like “terroir,” “phenolic structure,” or “malolactic fermentation” unless you’re explaining it. Encourage members to describe what they taste in their own words: “This reminds me of ripe peaches,” or “It tastes like wet stones after rain.” These are valid, insightful observations.

Not everyone can afford $100 bottles. Focus on quality over price. A $15 bottle from Lodi can be more interesting than a $40 bottle from a famous label. Your group’s credibility comes from thoughtful curation, not expensive labels.

Rotate Hosting Duties

Hosting should not fall on one person. Create a calendar and assign hosts for each month. Each host picks the theme, selects the wines (within a budget), and prepares the tasting sheet. This builds ownership and keeps the energy fresh.

Offer a small token of appreciation—like a bottle of wine or a local dessert—as a thank-you. It doesn’t have to be grand; recognition matters.

Partner with Local Businesses

Long Beach is home to dozens of independent wine shops, restaurants, and breweries. Reach out to owners and propose a partnership. For example:

• Host your tasting at The Wine House in exchange for a 10% discount for your members.
• Collaborate with a local taco truck to offer wine-paired bites during your outdoor summer gathering.
• Ask a local brewery to provide non-alcoholic sparkling water or kombucha for designated drivers.

These partnerships benefit everyone: the business gets exposure, your group gets better resources, and the community grows stronger.

Keep It Legal and Responsible

While private wine tastings among friends are legal in California, be mindful of local ordinances. Avoid serving wine in public parks without permits. If you meet in a rented space, confirm alcohol policies. Always provide non-alcoholic options and encourage responsible consumption.

Consider designating a “Sommelier of the Night” whose role is to monitor pacing and ensure no one overindulges. It’s a subtle but important role that enhances safety and comfort.

Record and Reflect

After each event, spend 15 minutes writing a short recap. What worked? What didn’t? Did someone share a fascinating fact? Did the wine pair beautifully with the cheese? Document these insights. Over time, you’ll build a library of knowledge that becomes invaluable.

Also, take photos (with consent) and tag local businesses. Social media visibility can lead to organic growth without advertising.

Host Seasonal or Themed Events

Break the monthly routine with special events:

• Summer Sunset Tasting: Host on the Long Beach Pier or at El Dorado Park with sparkling rosés and light bites.
• Wine and Film Night: Pair a classic film (e.g., “Sideways”) with wines from Santa Barbara County.
• International Month: Focus on one country per quarter—Italy in March, Spain in June, France in September.
• Blind Tasting Challenge: Members bring a bottle anonymously. Guess the grape, region, and price. Prizes for correct answers.

These events create buzz and give people something to look forward to beyond the regular meetings.

Tools and Resources

Essential Tools for Your Group

These free or low-cost tools will streamline your operations:

• Google Calendar: Schedule meetings, send automated reminders.
• Google Forms: Collect RSVPs, feedback, and wine preferences.
• Mailchimp (Free Plan): Send newsletters with tasting notes and upcoming events.
• Instagram or Facebook Page: Build a public profile to attract new members.
• Wine-Label Scanning Apps: Use Decanter, Wine-Searcher, or Delectable to scan bottles and pull up reviews, prices, and tasting notes on the spot.
• PDF Tasting Sheets: Download free templates from Wine Folly or create your own using Google Docs.

Recommended Reading and Media

Equip yourself and your members with foundational knowledge:

• Books: “The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil, “Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine” by Madeline Puckette, “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste” by Rajat Parr and Jordan Mackay.
• Podcasts: “The Wine Podcast” by David Glazebrook, “Wine 101” by VinePair, “The Wine Show” on YouTube.
• YouTube Channels: “Wine With Wanda,” “Wine Library TV,” “The Wine Curious.”
• Online Courses: Coursera’s “Wine Appreciation” by UC Davis, or the free intro modules from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

Local Long Beach Resources

Take advantage of your location:

• Long Beach Public Library: Offers free meeting rooms and access to wine-related eBooks and documentaries.
• CSULB Continuing Education: Occasionally offers wine appreciation courses open to the public.
• Long Beach Wine & Food Festival: Attend annually to network and discover new producers.
• Wine Country Tours: Companies like “Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours” offer group excursions—consider organizing a day trip for your members.

Wine Tasting Accessories

Invest in these affordable essentials:

• Clear, tulip-shaped wine glasses: Better than stemmed glasses for aroma capture.
• Spittoons or disposable cups: For responsible tasting.
• Wine preservation tools: Like Private Preserve spray to keep opened bottles fresh between meetings.
• Wine cooler or ice bucket: Keep whites and sparkling wines chilled.
• Notepad and pens: For taking notes during tastings.

Many of these items can be purchased in bulk from Amazon, Costco, or local restaurant supply stores.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Shoreline Sippers

Founded in 2021 by a pair of CSULB graduates, The Shoreline Sippers began with six friends meeting monthly in a backyard near the Belmont Shore pier. Their theme: “Under $25 Wines with Big Personality.”

They focused on value-driven bottles from lesser-known regions like Portugal’s Dão, Greece’s Naoussa, and Chile’s Itata Valley. Each meeting included a “Wine of the Month” spotlight with a short video presentation created by the host.

Within a year, they grew to 22 members. They partnered with The Wine House for a “Taste of the World” event where members voted on the next region to explore. They now host two annual outdoor tastings at El Dorado Park and have been featured in the Long Beach Post for their community impact.

Example 2: The Long Beach Vineyard Circle

This group, started by a retired teacher in Naples, focuses on sustainable winemaking. Their meetings include guest speakers from local organic vineyards and discussions on water usage, carbon footprints, and biodynamic practices.

They’ve hosted three vineyard tours to Santa Barbara County and partnered with a local vegan restaurant to create plant-based pairings. Their monthly newsletter includes a “Green Winery of the Month” feature and has over 150 subscribers—many from outside Long Beach.

They now offer a “Wine & Earth” workshop series, teaching members how to compost wine corks and recycle glass bottles. Their model has inspired similar groups in Huntington Beach and San Pedro.

Example 3: The Queen Mary Tasters

A unique group that meets on the historic Queen Mary ship. They host quarterly tastings in the ship’s ballroom, pairing wines with maritime-themed food (think smoked salmon canapés and oyster shooters). Their theme: “Wines That Tell a Story.”

Each bottle is chosen because of its origin story—e.g., a wine made by a refugee family in Australia, or a vineyard revived after a wildfire. Their events include short readings from wine memoirs and live acoustic music.

They charge a $25 fee to cover venue rental and catering, and donations go to a local marine conservation nonprofit. Their events sell out months in advance and have become a signature Long Beach experience.

FAQs

Can I start a wine tasting group if I’m not a wine expert?

Absolutely. Many of the most successful groups are led by curious beginners. The goal isn’t to be the most knowledgeable person in the room—it’s to create a space where everyone learns together. Use online resources, ask questions, and let the group explore as a team.

How much should I charge members?

For a monthly group, $10–$15 per person covers wine, snacks, and glassware. If you’re using a venue or hiring a speaker, you may charge $25–$40. Be transparent about where the money goes. Many groups operate on a “pay-what-you-can” basis to remain inclusive.

What if no one shows up to the first meeting?

It happens. Don’t get discouraged. Send a friendly follow-up email: “Thanks for signing up! We’re rescheduling for next month—would you still be interested?” Often, people get busy. Try inviting one or two new people each time. Momentum builds slowly.

Can I include non-alcoholic options?

Yes, and you should. Offer sparkling water, non-alcoholic wines (like Ariel or Fre), or artisanal sodas. This makes your group welcoming to pregnant individuals, those in recovery, designated drivers, and health-conscious members.

How do I handle disagreements about wine preferences?

Encourage respectful dialogue. Say: “That’s interesting—I tasted it differently. Can you tell me what you noticed?” Often, differences in perception lead to deeper learning. Avoid labeling wines as “good” or “bad.” Instead, ask: “What did this wine make you feel?”

Can I make this group a nonprofit or formal organization?

If you want to host larger events, apply for grants, or partner with charities, consider forming a California nonprofit. The process is straightforward through the Secretary of State’s website. Many wine tasting groups use this structure to fund educational outreach or donate to local causes.

How do I find a sommelier to speak to our group?

Contact local wine shops, restaurants, or CSULB’s hospitality program. Many sommeliers are happy to do a free 30-minute talk in exchange for promotion on your social media. Offer to feature them in your newsletter or on your Instagram page.

What if someone brings a bottle that’s corked or spoiled?

Have a backup bottle ready. If someone brings a faulty wine, thank them for their effort and tactfully replace it. Say: “Thanks for bringing this—we’ll try it next time! Let’s open this one instead.” Keep the mood positive.

Can I host virtual tastings too?

Yes! Especially useful for members who live farther away or during inclement weather. Use Zoom to host a virtual tasting with members receiving wine kits in advance. This expands your reach beyond Long Beach and can even attract members from Orange County or the Inland Empire.

Conclusion

Starting a wine tasting group in Long Beach is more than a hobby—it’s a meaningful way to connect with your community, deepen your appreciation of wine, and support local businesses. The city’s unique blend of coastal charm, cultural diversity, and proximity to world-class vineyards makes it one of the most fertile environments in Southern California for such a group to flourish.

By following this guide—from defining your theme and curating thoughtful tastings to partnering with local vendors and documenting your journey—you’re not just organizing events. You’re building a tradition. A space where curiosity replaces pretension, where conversation flows as freely as wine, and where strangers become friends over shared discoveries.

Remember: the best wine tasting groups aren’t defined by the price of the bottles, but by the warmth of the people. Start small. Be consistent. Stay curious. And let your group evolve naturally.

Long Beach has countless hidden gems—wine included. Your group is the key to unlocking them, one glass at a time.