Two entrepreneurs from Ramsbottom aim to bring the world to your living with a unique wine tasting experience.
The Touring Sommelier was co-founded by college friends Harriet Hoath and Chloe Carson, both 30.
The business aims to bring curated wine tours to the comfort of its customers’ homes.
As part of the format, a host invites a small party of friends to their house for the evening, and the company organises the rest, arriving on the night with a selection of wines and food depending on the night’s theme.
Typical themes offered as a ‘tour’ for the evening are ‘European’, ‘Southern Hemisphere’ and ‘Discovery’ themes, all done subtly and tastefully to enhance the evening rather than giving lectures.
The company was set up to help revellers avoid expensive nights out and to respond to a shift in party culture following lockdown.
This new culture has given rise to the 'home licensed' sommelier experience, something which Harriet and Chloe have embraced.
Chloe said: “We have always loved wine and the tales they can tell.
“For example, my favourite wine is a bone-dry cava, or champagne if am feeling especially fancy, and it is great to fully understand what makes a good wine and why anyone would want to invest in a bottle.
“Wine knowledge need not be limited to a few aficionados we are delighted to be much more open about what we know.”
Before launching The Touring Sommelier, the two friends obtained challenging sommelier qualifications and secured the necessary licences but already business is brisk.
Harriet added: “We realised that there was a crucial gap in the market which we could support.
“We wanted to create experiences so that everyone could have to access the tastes, smells and stories of wines from all over the world, and gain a little wine education, without having to leave the comfort of their own home.
“I mainly enjoy sweet wines, anything from Riesling to Sauternes and now have spent plenty of time researching about the science behind it I certainly seems to appreciate the taste much more.
“Some want us for special occasions such as birthday parties and there is a lot of interest from small companies wanting something special this Christmas, but in reality, given the savings on transport and a much safer environment in the home, we are also there for just stress free, relaxed ordinary night out for a small group.”
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