About us

SIP-

We love sipping wine but the choice can be intimidating, what's the best value for money? And how do you go about trying to descibe one wine from another anyway? Removing the old fashioned traditions around wine, our workshops are laid back, informal affairs.

You will get to taste at least six different wines, learn about many more and figure out what works for you, with like-minded folk who are keen to experiment and expand their tastes.

-OLOGIST

Genetics are a big factor as to why we all have such different food and drink tastes.

 At SipSoc, we base our experiments on exactly this science and use maths, geography and sometimes even music to take you on a taste adventure.

This twist makes the classes memorable and simplifies wine so you can take your new knowledge out into your everyday lives.


SOCIAL

Being social is fundamental to what we do at SipSoc. We want you to explore and learn in a relaxed setting. 

The SipSoc Story

I’ve worked in wine and spirits since finishing university but mainly by accident. I had been tennis coaching that summer with an aim to be a physio but instead on a bit of a whim I took myself off to Australia for some sunshine and ended up working in a winery to learn about the drink I'd always loved but also just to fill the purse again. I had no idea that work could be so fun, educational and delicious. On returning to the UK, I did my wine qualifications and have never looked back.

I love wine. Making it, developing it, learning about it, tasting it, talking about it and of course, drinking it.

I’ve always wanted to share this love with others in a way that makes them love wine too. So that’s why I started SipSoc. There is a wine out there for everyone, even if you don't know what it is yet.

I’ve taken my many years of experience in the trade as a buyer, account manager and specialist wine trainer and developed a modern view and teaching style. Whether you’ve never been to a tasting or have your own private cellar, come along, try some great wines, learn something new and have a laugh whilst doing so. 

Currently relaunching in Dorset after a successful six years in London I run the buisness WFH alongside looking after my twins.

SipSoc Awards

We welcomed our first award in Nov 2019 winning 'Most Unique Wine Tasting' from the LUXlife Magazine and have since picked up the 2021 award for 'Best Wine Tasting Class Experience Provider' at SME news before we relocated

Mandy also won a nomination for the 2016 Imbibe Personality of the Year in Education award and  the 2015 WSET Global Wine Educator for Enotria Winecellars


Association of Wine Educators

I am very honoured to have taken on the role of Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators. For me it's so important that talented Educators have an accreditation to show who's the best in the business so wine enthusiasts and other members of the trade can confidently see not only who knows their stuff but who is able to deliver clear and engaging tastings. Sadly, it’s very easy to manipulate a job title or experience an individual may have in wine with an impressive looking website/ social media. I’ve written a Blog on the issue should you want to gain more information on this. The AWE prides itself on frequent learning and one of it’s perks is a packed Continual Development Program. 

Make sure you look out for the branding when booking tastings and events or go to the website to find an Educator in your area.

They also publish the 100 AWEsome Wines, now online here, with up to date wine recommendations from all members

 

Click here for the Press Release.

WSET- Wine and Spirt Education Trust

I am qualified to teach Level 1, 2, 3 in Wine and Spirits and was an Educator at the Wine School in London when I lived closer.

Having relocated the business I am working on setting up some courses in Dorset and the surrounding areas. I also have a long background in Wine Training in bars and resturants teaching both WSET and bespoke sessions.

If you'd be interested in either please do get in touch.

Taste-i-monials

You can find many reviews on our Google business page too- all 5 star and glowing, thanks everyone ;) But here are some of the ones we have in our 'Vistors Book' we keep for new Sipologists and their thoughts on becoming part of the Club.


"I thought I knew a lot about wine already having been in the business for 10 years. However, there is still so much more to learn and understand. A great day out!" 

Dario A, London (Bespoke Family Christmas Present)


"Thank you! A brilliant time and so interesting to learn in an interactive way. Would very much come again." 

Ginny R, London (Hen Party)


"A wonderful evening. I learnt more than I thought I knew and knew more than I thought! Thank you.

Dave S, Brighton (Spanish ReWined in Tooting -Birthday Party)


"Brilliant! A very interesting day. I just wish I had done this earlier." 

Rupert C, London (Bespoke Taste Buddies, Chelsea)


"Really informative afternoon with lots of laughs. I really liked the wines and will be taking my new knowledge to the shops." 

Emily P, Leicester (Hen Party)

New to Dorset and already chatting to journalists

It's wine-tasting - but not as you know it

by Richard Thomas


An international award-winning wine expert with a passion for teaching the secrets of wine and how best to enjoy it is soon to start sharing her secrets with local wine buffs.


She's starting what she calls her 'sipology' courses for locals at a local winery next month. 


Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators (AWE) Mandy Stevens, who recently moved into the area from London, opens with the first of her five courses on wine appreciation on 1 July at Melbury Vale Winery near Shaftesbury.


'Taste Buddies' is a two-hour course that reveals not only such little known secrets of wine drinking as how many taste buds you have and how it affects what you like and don't like but also how smell affects what you can taste.


She says it's not true that the most expensive wine is the best wine nor that the cheapest is the worst.


'It all depends on your individual taste buds and everyone is different. Some people have a lot of taste buds and some only a few and it affects not only what you like but how you taste.


'I can show each person how many taste buds they have and what tasting category they fit into that'll help them choose the right wine for them and also what is the best value for them.'


Mandy says her courses are 'not your usual stuffy wine-tasting.'


'This wine-tasting is probably not as you know or expect it.


'I like to think of the whole thing as entertainment as much as raising awareness of the wonderful world of wine. I hope I make it fun.'


Mandy, who moved into the area last October, has coined the word 'sipology' to describe what she does and calls herself a 'professional sipologist'. She runs her courses under the name 'Sipologist Social' - or 'SipSoc' for short.


She says enjoying wine socially is what she's all about and the former professional tennis coach and recent mother of twins hopes eventually to take her wine appreciation courses to venues throughout Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset.


'I've been doing this for 15 years and I do bespoke tastings for special occasions and one-off events from parties to larger groups.


'In London I worked mostly through word-of-mouth. Dorset, where my husband is from, is a new experience but I'm hoping I'll be able to help even more people discover the same passion for wine here that I have in London.'