Best Tasting Team Building Activities Near Me: Find In-Person & Virtual Training

Learn More About Tasting Team Building Activities Courses

A team-building activity that consistently garners enthusiasm and enjoyment from a group is a tasting. These activities involve groups coming together to experience and learn about different flavors and products, including everything from wine, beer, and spirits to any other treat such as chocolate, cheese, and appetizers. A tasting is designed to be both educational and interactive, which encourages participants to heighten their senses, explore a range of tastes, and refine their palate while working together. In a tasting, your group will be instructed on ways to taste certain flavor profiles, identify different textures, and notice various scents. Ultimately, it’s a practice in sharpening your mental state and living in the moment, both to fully experience the tasting and the people you choose to partake in the tasting with.

Communal eating and drinking have been an honored tradition throughout all aspects of history, from fondue parties in the 1970s to omakase-style sushi dinners, and wine tastings at wineries all across the nation. Friends and family choose to sign up for tastings as a fun way to get together after a long time apart. Additionally, travelers and tourist groups will seek out tasting opportunities to learn more about the local area or just spend some downtime enjoying a nice drink or snack. However, tastings have become more popular for business professionals as well. Companies have decided to sign up for tastings as a fun team building activity either during work hours or at a local venue after the day is done. This gives colleagues a structured environment where they can learn from an expert in the subject. A professional tasting often focuses on the production methods, origins, and specific characteristics that make the items being sampled so special.

Why Host Tasting Team Building Activities?

Your group may prefer a tasting activity for several key reasons. First, a tasting provides a relaxed and enjoyable environment that can ease tension and give everyone a chance to unwind. When teams have a chance to put stress on the back burner, they are more likely to loosen up and build stronger interpersonal relationships. The shared experience of discovering new flavors and understanding how they are formed can help develop strong bonds as your team members find flavors that they like, dislike, or have never experienced before.

Additionally, tastings are typically a collaborative event. Even if your group has no part in choosing the specifics of what will be tasted, you will all collectively take part and enjoy the experience. For instance, your group will actively partake in discussions surrounding your preferences about each tasting and can also make joint decisions about items that are considered the best or the worst. This opens a safe space for healthy debate and gives you more insight into your group members through their likes and dislikes.

Overall, these activities are a fun way to engage in a new and exciting activity, but they can also refine your palate. If you have little knowledge of wine and what makes a glass high or low quality, you will learn a few key concepts and bits of information that help you understand what goes into a fancier wine such as the terroir and climate. Likewise, if you are a huge chocolate lover but don’t know much about the different variations, a tasting can offer you a sense of sophistication. You can learn how regions all across the world produce chocolate while enjoying a few distinct flavors.

What You and Your Team Will Learn in a Tasting Team Building Activity?

In a tasting activity, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the product they are trying, whether it’s wine, cheese, spirits, snacks, or anything else. For instance, if you take part in a wine tasting class, you will very likely learn about different varietals and regions. You will learn that each wine is named after the grape that creates it such as Pinot Noir versus Pinot Grigio. Moreover, you will learn how these grapes can vary in taste from region to region. Similarly, in a cheese tasting class, you will learn the difference between soft cheeses like Brie and smoky cheeses such as Gouda. You will learn about their origins and understand the geographical differences to help you gain a better appreciation for each. When you understand the complexity of a product and all the work that goes into producing it, it is more likely that you will enjoy and respect it more.

Moreover, there are tasting techniques that will help you get the most from your tasting session. You will use some of the main senses such as taste, smell, sight, and touch, to understand how each product is crafted and should be enjoyed. For example, in a wine tasting class, you will learn how to swirl the wine, observe the legs, note its color, and taste the wine on different parts of your tongue. The same can be said for tequila or other spirits since dark and light liquor often tastes different and has different creation processes. Doing this and learning these techniques will lead to a greater understanding, a more refined palate, and an appreciation of the different elements that go into making a delicious finished product.

Participants will also learn about production in a tasting class. Each product—whether it’s tequila, whiskey, wine, cheese, or chocolate—will have a different production process. This may include learning about fermentation and the aging process. More mature wines and cheeses are typically considered more decadent and flavorful. With certain liquors, the younger they are, the lighter the color may be. You’d also explore the process of bacteria and mold when learning about cheese. This may sound gross at first, but it is actually an integral and interesting part of the process. Understanding these methods gives insight into different products and helps you explain to others how and why they are so interesting.

One of the key components of a tasting activity is learning how to express yourself. You will practice identifying different flavors, aromas, and textures, but it will be just as useful to communicate your observations to others in the group. When you practice articulating what you are feeling and sensing in that moment, you can translate that ability to other areas of life as well. If you dislike a particular slice of cheese, ask yourself why. Then, try your best to explain to your group what makes it unappetizing to you. This will give them more insight into you as a person and also let them know your communication style. Moreover, if you have questions, the instructor will be there to help make you feel confident in asking since no one will be chastised for not knowing the answer. This aspect of a tasting class promotes better communication and critical thinking skills, as well as helps you form a closer relationship to yourself and your preferences.

How Long Will Tasting Team Building Activities Last?

The great thing about a tasting is that it takes relatively little time to complete. For most, a tasting will last anywhere from an hour to a few hours. This depends on whether you choose an on-site or virtual tasting as well as one that extensively discusses the subject or just provides a few simple samples. You could go to a wine tasting at a winery and try upwards of ten wines, but a virtual tasting may only provide anywhere from three to five. This will vary based on the provider and the type of tasting but is a solid expectation. While the tasting itself may not take very long, it will likely take longer for individuals who retain or master the skills of each tasting session. Refining your palate cannot be done in one session, so it's best to practice and explore other flavors after the tasting if you truly want to become a connoisseur. For example, a cheese tasting could give you details about five different cheeses and their regions. But if you want to learn more, you could always order a cheese plate at a restaurant while traveling and see if the wait staff knows anything about the origin of each. In all actuality, tasting activities can be learned throughout your entire life, which is why many people find them a fun and tasty way to learn something new.

What Are the Advantages of Hosting a Tasting Team Building Activity?

Team building activities that center around some kind of tasting offer a relaxed and enjoyable environment that fosters friendship and cohesion among team members. By participating in a tasting, colleagues and acquaintances have an opportunity to forge stronger bonds, engage in casual conversation, and share experiences in a setting that is less formal than the office or any other location. The comfortable atmosphere breaks down any professional barriers and promotes a more open stream of communication, which ultimately allows team members to connect on a deeper, more personal level. As they interact and discuss their impressions of the different items being tasted, they will build relationships that go beyond the workplace and offer a sense of unity. This can translate into a more collaborative and easy-going workplace, which affords a more positive team dynamic.

Because of these close-knit dynamics, your team will be more likely to work together towards a common goal. It will become clear as time goes on that the tasting opened new doors for personal relationships and professional advancement. For instance, discussing your preferences and opinions during the tasting may make you feel more comfortable speaking up in a professional setting and letting everyone know what you feel about a certain subject. Likewise, everyone will feel more inclined to listen respectfully and to value your opinion since they did so as well in the informal setting. Although the situation and stakes are different, both situations require participants to respect one another. This is one of the main advantages of a tasting: the shared respect and community between colleagues, friends, or acquaintances.

Plus, enrolling in a tasting will allow individuals to refine their palate and learn a diverse range of flavors, scents, textures, cuisines, and spirits. By expanding your horizons, you’re becoming more open to change and trying new things. This can translate very positively in the workplace, in relationships, or anywhere else. With just the right amount of inquiry and structure, a tasting gives groups a way to learn and explore together. You can learn a little more about production methods, gain insight into regional differences, and find out what makes each tasting element so enjoyable. Whether it’s the climate that grows the grapes for wine or the agave that helps produce tequila, you can learn a lot about the culture that each tasting item comes from. Expanding your culinary knowledge and broadening your preferences gives you new ideas, hobbies, and interests you may have never had before.

Best Tasting Team Building Activities

There are hundreds of tasting opportunities all across the country. For example, the Whiskey Tasting 101 in Murray Hill in New York City is a private event where your group will uncover the different types of whiskey. You will have a guide throughout the experience who has ample experience in the world of whiskey and will help you understand how to taste four distinct types of whiskey. This tasting session provides a casual environment for your group to let loose but also has enough structure to ensure everyone enjoys the experience without feeling too overwhelmed. Your team will understand the difference between single malt, blended, and bourbon whiskeys by the end of the course and possibly find a new favorite go-to when out at a dinner, bar, or other get-together.

The Margarita Craft Mixology course is also offered at the same location in Murray Hill and teaches your group how to blend the freshest ingredients to create the tastiest margarita. This course is taught by expert mixologists who will explain the entire process to your group, discuss the history of the cocktail, and teach professional mixing techniques. This course is perfect for any type of celebration, from a birthday party to an anniversary, or a team building activity among colleagues. This interactive session guarantees a fun and unique experience that gives your group a chance to take a step back from reality and enjoy a fun, tangy drink.

Some classes focus entirely on mocktails—otherwise known as cocktails without the alcohol. At Bar Franca in downtown Los Angeles, you can enjoy the Intro to Mocktails class with your group to discover tasty drinks that will suit any situation. Your group will be provided a personal station with everything necessary to participate, including the tools, ingredients, and components. You will discover how to create three different mocktails and partake in class discussions as well as learn different bartender secrets. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about your group members, and have fun letting loose.

If you want a truly luxurious experience, consider the Sip and Sail event which can accommodate up to 11 people around a yacht tour in Marina Del Ray. Your team will board a 40-foot yacht and enjoy an evening on the open waves while an expert sommelier teaches you everything you want to know about the wines you will enjoy. Your group will enjoy the beautiful views throughout this two and a half hour excursion, which is led by a USCG Certified Captain. You will also enjoy numerous wines and understand the differences between them based on their balance, intensity, and complexity. After the trip, your team can explore different parts of the yacht and take gorgeous photos to commemorate the experience.

In Chicago, you can bring a Wine and Cheese Tasting right to your office. Specifically, your group will enjoy two wines and two cheeses to explore the complexities of blending different flavors. Specifically, your group will enjoy a French sauvignon blanc and an Argentinian Malbec so you will get the best of both worlds. The cheeses include a tangy, vibrant goat cheese and a sharp cheddar that will liven your senses. You will discover what makes these wines and cheeses so distinct from one another as well as learn how to pair each with different flavors. There’s no experience required, so everyone can join in on the fun.

With such close proximity to Mexico, the birthplace of tequila, your Houston-based group may be inspired to try out a Tequila Tasting. Here, your group can discover the world of tequila and understand how to taste like a professional with the help of an experienced host. In this hour-long event, your group will taste three different types of tequila (Blanco, reposado, and anejo) while enjoying some interesting historical facts and engaging in a fun conversation with the host and your team. Throughout the process, you will feel more connected to the culture and can come up with new ideas for your team's next Margarita Monday event.

Live Online Tasting Team Building Activities

For those groups that prefer or require virtual team building activities, there are hundreds to choose from—including those that offer tastings. For example, the Mixology Workshop is an ideal way to master the art of mixology and taste a few fun cocktails. Not only will you learn about the history of each cocktail, but you will pick up a few essential cocktail making techniques. The ingredients are delivered right to each participant, which is convenient and stress-free. Specifically, your team will make a tequila, vodka, and whiskey drink that all offer unique flavor profiles. One drink will have a citrusy hibiscus ginger flavor with shimmery edible glitter and cocktail umbrellas, whereas another will have elderflower liqueur added as well as a fun garnish of dehydrated flowers. After this class, your group will have the skills needed to host cocktail parties or get togethers that are memorable and drinks that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are tasty.

If a glass of vino and a light snack is more your vibe, consider enrolling in the Wine and Cheese Workshop. This virtual workshop comes with a kit packed with two different kinds of cheeses and wines, perfect for getting started in your wine and cheese tasting journey. Participants will learn from the instructor as they describe the flavor profiles of each and the ways these pairings work together. You will also expand your wine and cheese vocabulary by learning more about the legs, tannins, and aging process. Your group can debate and discuss whether the French sauvignon blanc is preferable over the Argentinian malbec and whether the tangy goat cheese is tastier than the sharp cheddar before possibly coming up with your own pairing ideas for the next group get together.

Moreover, your group can enjoy a unique virtual Belgian Beer Tasting event from the comfort of home, the office, or anywhere else. Here, your guide will take you through six different beer varieties made by iconic Belgian brewers. You will learn about the rich history of beer making in this region and will discover what makes Belgian beer unique compared to other regions. Not only will your group leave with a greater appreciation for the beer making process and the cultural tie to the region, but you will each have a greater sense of how to taste, smell, and experience each brew. Your team will have a little over an hour to enjoy some beer, chat about the flavors, and perhaps even schedule another tasting or event that piques your interests.

However, tasting classes do not have to center around alcohol. You can explore other tasting classes such as the Chocolate Tasting course, which will give your team the chance to indulge in a sweet treat while gaining knowledge about the chocolate making process. You will learn about chocolates from all over the world in this class, specifically enjoying three which all reign from different regions. In addition to the chocolate, the kit each participant will be sent also includes a palate cleanser so no two flavors blend too much. This hour-long workshop is led by an experienced professional chef, so you can ask questions about the chocolate making process, the history of chocolate, and anything else related to the tasting. This workshop is sweet to say the least and can open up a new world of tasting opportunities that your group may have not even known about.

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Tasting Team Building Activities Near Me

CocuSocial Cooking Classes NYC: Classic & Creative Cocktails

Liquid Lab NYC NYC: DIY Mixology

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Premium Bourbon Tasting (Materials Included)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Premium Wine Workshop (Materials Included)

Tasting Group Activities

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Sparkling Cocktails Workshop (BYO)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Wine & Cheese Workshop (Materials Included)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Wine Tasting Workshop (BYO)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Wine Workshop (Materials Included)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Brown Sugar Bubble Tea (Materials Included)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Chai Tea Making Workshop

CourseHorse Experiences Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp & Lemonade (with Materials)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual American Whiskey Tasting (Materials Included)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Artisanal Cheese Tasting (Materials Included)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Belgian Beer Tasting (Materials Included)

CourseHorse Experiences Virtual Bubble Tea Making Workshop

Learn More About Tasting Team Building Activities Courses

Why Host Tasting Team Building Activities?

What You and Your Team Will Learn in a Tasting Team Building Activity?

How Long Will Tasting Team Building Activities Last?

What Are the Advantages of Hosting a Tasting Team Building Activity?

Best Tasting Team Building Activities

Live Online Tasting Team Building Activities

Tasting Team Building Activities
Corporate & Onsite Training

Tasting Team Building Activities Training Map & Top Locations

2 Courses Available in NYC

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Tasting Group Activities

Learn More About Tasting Team Building Activities Courses

Why Host Tasting Team Building Activities?

What You and Your Team Will Learn in a Tasting Team Building Activity?

How Long Will Tasting Team Building Activities Last?

What Are the Advantages of Hosting a Tasting Team Building Activity?

Best Tasting Team Building Activities

Live Online Tasting Team Building Activities

Tasting Team Building Activities Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Tasting Team Building Activities Training Map & Top Locations

2 Courses Available in NYC

Tasting Team Building Activities
Corporate & Onsite Training