There are lots of tasting events that are open to the public. If you live in a big city or close to a wine region, there's a good chance that they do a couple of big annual wine events. I'm a West Coast Canadian girl, so every year I attend the Vancouver International Wine Festival. It is an incredible wine show and is widely credited as the best wine event in North America. There are over 800 wines being poured from about 15 different countries, and each year has a theme region or country. It's a great opportunity to meet winemakers and owners and ask them questions about the wines you're tasting. Even if you're a wine newbie, there are so many people at these things that no one would even know! It's an opportunity to blend, learn, and taste.
Source: vanwinefest.ca
These events usually offer multiple seminars as well. There will usually be a cost, but if you want to understand the small ins and outs of certain wines or regions, the cost is totally worth it. Trust me ;)
Do you want to know the difference between a Australian Shiraz and a French Syrah? A Oregon Pinot Noir vs. a New Zealand Pinot Noir? Napa Chardonnay vs. a Hawkes Bay Chardonnay? These seminars are where you can learn (and taste!) the difference. Are you starting to wonder why you haven't been going to these all along?!
Make time in your schedule to attend at least one and see how you like it. The worst case scenario would be that you went to a wine tasting on a Wednesday afternoon. At least you can mention it over brunch with friends and sound sophisticated yet humble ;)
Thanks for reading <3
Jen