BYO Events Guide
This smaller-format gathering will create a fun, informal atmosphere where members can come together, share treasures from their personal cellars, and enjoy discussing them over dinner at a local restaurant.
Here’s how it works:
The format for this dinner changes things up a bit. Usually at our dinners, the host carefully curates a selection of wines to accompany the menu. This time, at our Bring-a-Bottle Dinner, the wine selection is up to you!
Every guest is asked to bring a bottle of wine to share with the table. What you bring is entirely up to you – all we ask is that you follow the theme for the event, which will be chosen and communicated to guests at the time of booking.
Over the course of the evening, the host will sequence the wines to pair them with the menu, and we will taste, drink, and discuss together at the table – there will be no formal presentation, but plenty of conversation as we go. At the end of the evening – here’s the exciting bit – we will vote on the best bottle of the night, with the winner receiving a wine-themed prize, as well as the right to select the theme for the next event!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum price or value for the wine I bring?
No! There are absolutely price criteria on the wine that you bring. All we ask is that you match the theme of the event, and bring a bottle you’re proud to share with other members.
I want to come, but I don’t have a bottle of wine I can bring... .
Don’t worry! If you don’t have a bottle of wine that matches the theme of the event, or simply can’t decide what to bring, indicate this on your booking form and the event host will contact you to provide options for you to ‘buy in’ – starting at around $40-50
Will these events replace the larger events the NSW Branch normally hosts?
No! The intention is to host these events in between our usual annual program. They will be small and frequent, and will run alongside the larger dinners the Branch normally hosts. These events will usually be scheduled in months where there is otherwise not a Branch event – so 4-6 times a year.
Will I get to taste everything?
Yes! The host will ensure that everyone at the table gets a glass of every wine.
Will there be Champagne, White Wine, Red Wine and Dessert Wine?
The wines on the evening will be at the served at the generosity of the guests, although the host will endeavour to ensure a balance of varieties and styles.
Can I invite a guest?
As always, guests are welcome at our events for a small extra charge, though are encouraged to join up to full membership after they have attended their first event
What will the prize be?
That’s a secret! All we’ll say now is that it will be worth winning for any gastronome or oenophile
I wanted to come, but the event is full!
These events will be limited in size to keep them informal, and to ensure everyone can taste every wine. Unfortunately, that means that sometimes people will miss out. If you can’t attend an over-subscribed event you had otherwise hoped to, please let the host know (iwfs.nsw.branchinfo@gmail.com), and we’ll give you priority booking for the next dinner.