Can anyone think of a nicer way of spending an afternoon than sipping a variety of reds and enjoying some mature cheese as the day rolls on.

Wine tasting classes are a firm favourite for hen parties these days particularly as more and more wine distributors are offering their services at competitive rates in the expectation of getting a return on their “free” investment.

Some will hold the session on their business premises while others will come to your house or designated tasting point and bring the all important liquid grapes and a selection of Cheeses.

First port of call is your local wine shop or off-licence who may already be involved in this area of business and if not will surly know who to recommend. If you are not familiar with the locality or would prefer not to make direct contact, then check on- line as most businesses now have a virtual site and are keen to get the on-line benefits.

Wine tasting not so long ago was regarded as a “snob” past-time as the only people who sipped the grape were the upper-crust and they were at pains to let all others know how they could appreciate the “nose” of a Chardonnay while Jack and Jill only supped from the still.

Those days are now long gone and all and sundry have grown to love the “grape and grain” (wine and bread)

Leave the snobbery to one side and your Hen Party will really enjoy the experience and the chit-chat as they mingle with the other tasters while they swish the beautiful fragrant nectar across their palates.