Uncork the Journey – The Big Taste is Back!

Ready your taste buds, the world's biggest wine festival is back at the Mandarin Oriental! This is your golden ticket to globe-trotting through vineyards without leaving the city.

The best part? Whether you can tell a Pinot from a Pinotage or think "tannins" is a skincare ingredient, you're exactly where you need to be.

Ready to become a wine wanderer? Discover here the insider secrets to make your festival experience unforgettable.

Let's dive in!

Once upon a time, a bunch of passionate MMI Wine Experts sat together to taste some new wine arrivals. Being true wine experts (aka total wine nerds), they were discussing tasting notes, grape varietals, yeast, vintages, oak barrels and whatnot, when one of them had a sudden inspiration: 

"How cool would it be if we could organise a wine-tasting event and invite some producers to come share their knowledge firsthand?" 

A brief second of silence fell through the room before a collective gasp erupted into voices reaching such high pitches, Mariah Carey filled a complaint.  

By Dionysus! What a marvellous idea. One pinky promise later, and they were all on board. 

It took time, patience, and plenty of hard work, but they managed to put together an annual wine-tasting event – The Big Taste. Spoiler alert: back then, 'big' was only the name. However, it already reflected their shared vision of hosting an immersive event where attendees could interact directly with producers and gain insights as precious as The One Ring. 

Fast-forward a few years, and here we are: The Big Taste is now true to its name. It's not only the biggest wine-tasting festival in the Middle East, open to everyone of legal drinking age, but it also offers a truly unforgettable experience. Held in a sumptuous setting, it features over 600 wines from 100+ producers from 20+ countries, delicious food, surprise cultural entertainment and offers masterclasses led by MMI experts and renowned winemakers. 

No surprise then that it sells out fast. Every. Single. Year. 

So now that you know what it is and how it came to be, let’s focus on the real reason why you’re reading this article instead of scrolling down your Instagram feed.

This year's a journey across 20 countries, and there are two types of travellers out there: the spontaneous and the planners. Honestly, it doesn't matter which type you are – you're going to have an amazing time either way.  

However, when time is of the essence, I highly suggest taking a few minutes to map out a couple of things. Trust me, I know it sounds boring, but keep reading – you'll thank me later. 

For The Red Wine Purist

France: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône | Italy: Barolo, Chianti | Spain Rioja, Ribera del Duero | Portugal: Douro reds | Argentina: Malbec | Chile: Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon | South Africa: Pinotage, Syrah | Australia: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon | USA: Napa Cabernet, Zinfandel | Greece: Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko | Lebanon: Château Musar is legendary | New Zealand: Pinot Noir from Central Otago 

For The White Wine Devotees

France: Loire (Sauvignon Blanc), Burgundy (Chardonnay), Alsace (Riesling, Pinot Gris), to name a few | Germany & Austria: Grüner Veltliner is iconic | New Zealand: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc | South Africa: Chenin Blanc will knock your socks off! | Greece: Assyrtiko is a standout | Italy: Soave, Verdicchio, Pinot Grigio | Portugal: Vinho Verde 

For The Rosé Wine Lover

France, of course – the Provence region is LEGENDARY for dry, pale rosé wines. You'll also find some gems from Italy, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Portugal, and Lebanon. 

For Team “If There Are No Bubbles, There's Trouble”

UK: Especially Sussex and Kent | France: For Champagne, obviously | Spain: For Cava - obvio | Italy: Prosecco.

Now, if you just want to show up and go from stall to stall following your gut, don't let anybody stop you.  

Wednesday, September 24th 

7:45-8:30 pm: Uncork Rioja with Rodolfo Bastida of Ramón Bilbao  

A trip through Spain's most prestigious wine region with Chief Winemaker Rodolfo Bastida? Yes, please. This is your opportunity to uncork Rioja's evolution, from its rich heritage to today’s modern expressions with a pro. 

8:45-9:30 pm: Uncork Burgundy with Sébastien Roux of Domaine Roux  

Discover Burgundy's elegance with Domaine Roux’s fifth-generation winemaker, Sébastien Roux. This exclusive tasting explores the nuances, terroir, and unbeatable charm of one of France's most iconic regions. 

9:45-10:30 pm: Build Your Cellar with Charles Newman.  

Learn all that you need to know about collecting wines with MMI Wine Authority Charles Newman. Taste iconic wines, including the legendary Sassicaia. Bonus:  post-event, your ticket is fully redeemable against private client purchases! 

Thursday, September 25th 

7:45-8:30 pm: Uncork Australia with Chester Osborn of d'Arenberg  

Join legendary winemaker Chester Osborn for a masterclass as bold and charismatic as his wines. A rare opportunity to discover the rich character behind one of Australia's most iconic wineries. 

8:45-9:30 pm: Uncork Modern Rioja with Santa Cantabria  

Experience modern Rioja's elegance and innovation. This exclusive masterclass is all about wines that bridge tradition and modernity through refined know-how and exceptional terroir. 

9:45-10:30 pm: Uncork Chenin with Ken Forrester  

South Africa's "King of Chenin" will host an exceptional tasting of one of the world's most versatile grape varieties, and he wants you there. Learn from a global authority and taste benchmark wines that will leave your taste buds in awe.

Spaces are limited for all masterclasses, so don’t sleep on your booking! AND – stay with me, the biggest announcement is yet to come: 

Plan Your Transportation

The location is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation (drop off at the Mercado Shopping Mall 2 bus stop), but if you decide to drive, don’t forget to book a Zofeur on your way back. Using code MMI60, you’ll get 60% off your first trip! If you’ve already used it, code MMI10 will grant you 10% off.  

Eat Smart

Make sure you eat throughout the day until one hour before the event, but avoid pungent foods that could alter your sense of smell and taste. Skip spicy and bitter foods – they can dull your taste buds and make tannins and acidity seem harsher. 

Stick to healthy, neutral meals up to one hour before tasting, and avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol. And don’t worry about crashing during the journey – there will be a buffet filled with tasty food to pair with your wines (or just grab a snack when you start to feel lightheaded). 

Don't Brush Your Teeth

Avoid brushing your teeth less than one hour before the event, or that first sip might be your last (not that you'll die, but it might put you off forever). 

Stay Comfortable

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. The Big Taste isn't the place for stilettos or breaking in new Dr Martens. You'll be walking and standing a lot, so go flat and comfy. 

Pace Yourself

Most importantly – sip and enjoy! Forget about chugging glass after glass. If you're thirsty, drink water. These wines are made to be savoured.

You've probably seen wine connoisseurs swirling their glasses like they're conducting the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra, and you kind of want to join in - but aren't sure what you're doing? Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy. Follow the 5 S Technique, and you’ll blend like a grape in Napa Valley. 

1. See (Sight) Hold the glass up to a white surface, like a napkin or tablecloth, for a clear view. Note the wine's colour, intensity, and clarity. The deeper the colour, the older the wine.
2. Swirl (Aeration) Gently swirl the wine while the glass rests on a flat surface. This aerates the wine, releasing aromatic compounds into the air and preparing your nose to detect them. 
3. Sniff (Smell) Put your nose into the glass and take a deep inhale. Identify different aromas – fruity, spicy, or earthy notes, they’re all clues about the wine's personality and quality. 
4. Sip (Taste) Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue and palate. Explore the symphony of flavours and textures. Pay attention to balance, acidity, sweetness, alcohol content, and the lingering sensation. 
5. Savour (Experience & Finish) Allow the wine to linger before swallowing. Note the finish – the impression left on your palate, which can be short or long. Feel the wine's weight or "body," whether light like skim milk or full like cream. Notice the silky feel of tannins in red wines. 

Follow these tips and tricks, and you’re sure to have a ridiculously good time at The Big Taste! Come alone, come with your partner, your friends or your mother – whatever suits you best.  

See you there! Cheers