22 September i-1-wine journey (I WANT WINE!): Time to awaken those tastebuds!

We jump straight into the deep end with a tour of one of the best-kept secrets in KL - the private cellar in the deep reaches of Sanctuary@7. Guarded under the magical and watchful eye of Bacchus, Roman god of wine.

The sight of all these bottles of wines, from Bordeaux to Burgundy, from Piemonte to South Africa, from Grand Cru to unassuming Village, from bone dry to sticky sweet, from newborn babe to old uncle wines...all these combine to fire up the imaginations of, and a long string of questions from, our participants.

But wait, it's freezing in here. So let's take some of these questions upstairs where we can comfortably go through our class, everyone's questions, and move on to the tasting part!

We discuss varietals and regions. We go through questions. Most importantly, we express our burgeoning interest in all things vinous and have a thoroughly good time. Some of our topics are as follows:

• Why do some wines taste so differently to how they smell? Does the palate deliver what the nose has promised?
• What are the grape varieties allowed for a bottle of Bordeaux red?
• What tips do you have for visiting a wine region? The food, wines and culture of Europe vs the convenience of Australia/NZ vs the bountiful nature of South Africa?
• How to read a New World vs Old world wine label (yes, those confusing buggers)?
• Why do people clink glasses when they 'cheers' each other? And why look the other party in the eye (we're shy Asians here)?
• What food to pair with certain wines? General guidelines vs individual preference.

When the tasting commences, participants have fun analyzing the sight, smell, taste of the wines, and discuss what memories these evoke. Someone growing up in Europe with their different sights and smells and family kitchen, will have a different experience from someone more used to chow mein and nasi lemak and siew yoke.

Our wine flight for the day:

• Australian sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, Andrew Peace (2011)
• South African Chardonnay, Robertson (2012)
• South African Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay blend, Nederburg (2012)
• Spanish Garnacha white blend, Celler Pinol Nuestra Señora Del Portal Blanco (2010)
• Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, Montgras Reserve (2011)
• South African Merlot, Fleur du Cap (2009)
• Spanish Tempranillo, Carlos Serres Reserva (2005)
• Spanish red dessert wine, Celler Pinol Mistela Josefina Pinol Tinto (2009)

It is an excellent learning experience. And of course things don't end here. There are so many more wines out there to try, to taste, to experience, to live.