12:00a.m. 31st July 2008

| By Toby Walker

Nicole Gruver does a taste test for the Big Red series of wine-tastings. Photo: Jason Dougherty/ 188182

It's easy to see how a wine-tasting evening can present as a minefield of potentially uncomfortable social situations for those not so well-versed in the etiquette of such an occasion.

Firstly, there is a whole other language to learn – one that takes English, bundles it with a serving of French, mixes in Italian, German or the like and, in the case of the locally made product, often leaves you with a bottle sporting labels with unmistakeably Australian names like Ten Minutes by Tractor or The Ducks Nuts.

Then, of course, there is the spit bucket. With smartly dressed people around, it’s preferable to avoid becoming a spontaneous stain fountain by taking aim from distance with a mouthful of red, but does one lean in close or simply swallow to save embarrassment?

But the initially bewildering world of wine lovers is also very much an inviting one, thanks to alcohol’s tendency to dissolve inhibitions.

Terry Beauchamp’s passion for wine began when she worked in the bottle shop at Friday’s Wharf Complex in Mooloolaba more than 10 years ago. She and husband Michael developed an interest which prompted holidays to renowned Australian wine-growing regions including the Barossa Valley in South Australia and NSW’s Hunter Valley.

Eventually, that passion would manifest itself in the form of their Big Red wine-tasting evenings across the Coast which, over the years, would be held at Fridays, Underwater World (complete with a bowtie-wearing seal greeting guests) and on a replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour during its visit to the Coast.

Having taken over management of the refurbished SurfAir Tavern at Marcoola four months ago, the couple are now preparing to host the latest Big Red.

That event is on next Wednesday, August 6.

“This is not about exclusivity. It’s about people coming together in an environment where it’s easy to ask as many questions as you like,” Terry said.

“Whether you have a passion for wine, or an interest you would like to develop further, the night will allow people to find out more from some of the leading wine makers in the country.

“We have some fantastic wines. We’re talking about 15 wine companies and 75 ‘big-red’ wines here.”

Sommelier Darren Davis will travel up from Brisbane to host the evening and said those coming along without much wine knowledge need not feel intimidated.

“It is more about the fun elements and enjoying wine, certainly not the nerdy side,” he said.

“At the end of the day it is just a drink and we should all be able to enjoy it.”