Welcome to Vivienne's Tastings, your online destination for the finest experiences in sake and wine appreciation. I am thrilled to introduce myself, Vivienne Papadosifaki, an ETP and WSET Certified Sake and Wine expert, and your guide on this delightful journey.
With a profound passion for the world of libations, I have dedicated the past years to honing my expertise in both sake and wine. Through rigorous training and extensive exploration, I have developed a nuanced understanding of these extraordinary beverages, their production processes, regional variations, and the art of tasting.
At Vivienne's Tastings, my goal is to provide you with an immersive and educational experience that enhances your enjoyment and understanding of sake and wine. Through my curated content, I invite you to embark on a sensory adventure, where every sip tells a story and every bottle holds a world of discovery.
Delve into the world of sake as I guide you through its rich history, cultural significance, and the intricate craftsmanship behind its production. Explore the diverse range of sake styles, from delicate and floral to robust and umami-rich, as I unravel the secrets of the brewing process, the role of rice and water, and the influence of different yeast strains.
Expand your wine knowledge as I demystify the complex world of grape varietals, terroir, and winemaking techniques. From Old World classics to New World innovations, we'll traverse vineyards around the globe, uncovering the unique characteristics that make each wine region special.
At Vivienne's Tastings, we offer an array of services tailored to cater to both private tastings and corporate events, creating unforgettable experiences for all participants. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale function, we provide professional and personalized services that are sure to impress.
Beginners Package: designed to introduce newcomers to the fascinating world of sake and wine. This curated selection includes four or five bottles carefully chosen to showcase a diverse range of styles and flavors. Priced at a starting point of 350 euros (VAT included) . Through a guided 2,5-hour tasting, you'll discover the basics of sake or wine unraveling the unique characteristics of each bottle and gain valuable insights into production techniques and flavor profiles. Leftover bottles are yours to keep!
Experienced Package: Tailored for those with a deeper understanding of sake or wine. With this package, you can choose your preferred Style, Region, or focus on production techniques, allowing for a highly personalized and immersive tasting experience. With prices starting at 350 euros (VAT included), this package offers an elevated 2,5 hour tasting experience for those seeking to deepen their knowledge and palate. Leftover bottles are yours to keep!
Both packages can be tailored to meet your specific needs and preference by expanding the lineup, extending the duration, and incorporating interactive games or quizzes for a more fun atmosphere. Contact me for more possibilities!
Choose or Customise your preferable package for the services below.
Private Tastings
Indulge in an exclusive private tasting experience in the comfort of your own home or preferred venue. With meticulous attention to detail. I will curate a selection of sakes or wines, guiding you and your guests through a journey of flavors, aromas, and stories. Together, we will explore the nuances of each beverage, providing insights into their production, regions, and the art of tasting. Whether it's a special occasion (Birthdays, Bachelor/ Bachelorette) , a social gathering among friends and family, or an educational event like planning a trip abroad and you would like to know more about the region’s choices, our private tastings offer a delightful and engaging experience for all.
Corporate Events
Elevate your corporate events with the sophistication and elegance of sake and wine. Whether it's a team-building activity, client entertainment, or a networking event, Vivienne's Tastings provides tailored experiences that leave a lasting impression. I will collaborate with you to design a customized program, incorporating sake or wine tastings, presentations, and interactive workshops. By incorporating these elements, we create an atmosphere that encourages connection, conversation, and an appreciation for the finer aspects of these remarkable beverages. Let us add a touch of refinement to your corporate events and create an unforgettable experience for your guests. (Up to 10 people)
Consulting Services
Whether you are a restaurant, bar, or hospitality establishment looking to expand your sake and wine offerings, I provide consulting services to help you curate an exceptional beverage program. Drawing on my expertise and industry insights, I can assist with menu development, wine list curation, staff training, and cellar management, ensuring that your establishment offers a diverse and impressive selection of libations.
Product Presentations
As a sake and wine expert, I am available for guest speaking engagements and presentations at events, conferences, or educational institutions. From sharing insights on the art of sake brewing to discussing emerging trends in the wine industry, I can deliver engaging and informative talks that cater to the specific needs of your product.
Sake Horeca Education
Sake training services for the HORECA industry offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to help small businesses enhance their sake knowledge and service. The growing popularity of sake and its potential is crucial to elevate the dining experience for your guests. Through the mini - training, I provide a valuable education on sake production, flavor profiles, serving techniques, storage, and food pairing suggestions. The goal is to empower your staff with the expertise and confidence needed to navigate the world of sake, enabling them to make informed recommendations and create exceptional sake experiences for your valued customers. Whether you're a cozy restaurant, boutique hotel, or intimate catering establishment, my sake training services cater to the unique needs of your small HORECA business, ensuring that you stand out in the industry with a well-rounded sake program.
Choosing sake over wine can be a matter of personal preference and the context in which you're enjoying the beverage. Here are a few reasons why some people may prefer sake over wine:
Cultural experience
Sake is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and has been enjoyed for centuries as a traditional alcoholic beverage. Choosing sake can provide a unique cultural experience, allowing you to explore and appreciate Japanese traditions.
Versatility
Sake offers a wide range of flavor profiles, from light and delicate to bold and robust. It pairs well with various cuisines, including Japanese, Asian, and even Western dishes. Sake's versatility makes it a flexible choice for pairing with different foods.
Lower acidity
Sake generally has lower acidity compared to many wines. This can make it a favorable option for those who have sensitivities to acidic beverages or who prefer a smoother drinking experience.
Gluten-free option
Sake is typically made from rice, water, yeast, and koji mold, making it a gluten-free beverage. This can be advantageous for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Different production process
Sake production involves the fermentation of rice, whereas wine is produced by fermenting grapes. The distinct production methods result in unique flavors, aromas, and textures. If you enjoy exploring different types of alcoholic beverages, sake can offer a refreshing change from wine.
Alcohol content
Sake has an average alcohol content of 15% abv. It is not distilled and it’s maximum legal alcohol allowance is 22%. Lower alcohol Sakes are also available starting from 6% abv
Temperature variations
Sake can be enjoyed at various temperatures, allowing you to experience different flavor profiles. It can be served chilled (reishu), at room temperature (jo-on), or heated (atsukan), depending on the type of sake and personal preference. This versatility adds to the overall enjoyment of the beverage.
Umami
A term used to describe one of the 5 basic tastes along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter. It is often described as savory or breathy. Commonly associated with soy sauce, mushroom, and aged cheese. Umami is always present on Sake making it unique on its taste! Ranges from low to high depending on the style and the fermentation starter.
Hangover
Sake does not rank highly on the list of hangover because of its purity. It simply fermented rice and water, it has no sulfites , 1/3 of wine’s acidity and very low histamines all the factors that are well known to produce hangovers. Sake’s fermentation is very controlled and no extra additives are allowed for Tokubetsu Sake. That being said, consume in moderation as it is well known that any excessive amount of alcohol will eventually affect your body.
It's important to note that choosing between sake and wine ultimately comes down to individual taste preferences. Both beverages have their own merits and can provide enjoyable drinking experiences. It's worth trying both to see which one appeals to you more.
Booking & Contact
Give me a call at
0031 646256892
OR if you prefer online communication you can throw me a message here and I will reply as soon as I can!