A Toast to Knowledge: My Journey Through Wine Tasting with Ted
There are experiences that stick with you, like a well-aged wine. So here I am, pouring two words (or maybe a few more) about the unforgettable wine-tasting journey at Starttech Ventures with the one and only Ted Lelekas.If someone had told me a few weeks ago that I’d be spending my evenings swirling glasses, sniffing aromas I barely recognized, and trying to distinguish between oak-aged and stainless steel-fermented wines, I would have laughed and taken another sip of my go-to Sauvignon Blanc (the only one I actually knew). But here I am, after completing an incredible wine class with Ted, and let me tell you—it was an experience I never knew I needed.
Pour, Sip, Laugh, Repeat
There’s something special about gathering around a table filled with bottles of wine, curious minds, and a shared sense of adventure.
From the very first class, it was clear that wine was more than just a drink—it was a story, a craft, an entire world waiting to be explored. Ted, with his endless knowledge and witty humor, guided us through vineyards across the globe, from the historic cellars of Bordeaux to the sun-kissed hills of Mendoza, all without leaving our cozy tasting room. And while I may not have the nose of Sofia—who, by the way, could probably smell the entire floral spectrum in a single sip—I was completely fascinated every time she leaned in, took a deep breath, and declared something like, “I’m getting hints of roses and a whisper of cinnamon.” I mean… what?! I was still trying to get past “smells like wine.”
Glykeria and Natalia made sure we were all comfortable, bringing a selection of cheese and dry biscuits that helped us reset our palates between tastings. They quickly became an essential part of our little wine-tasting family, and honestly, I hope your partner will also be good enough to bring you the best cheese to accompany the class. If they don’t join our open application—never compromise with less.
But the beauty of this class? It didn’t matter if you were a wine aficionado or a total beginner—there was something for everyone.
Ted, our mentor through this journey, knew his craft inside and out. He guided us, challenged us, and—did he always remind us to spit the wine, instead of swallowing, because it was a tasting class? Yes. Did each and every one of us follow that rule? Absolutely not. Sorry, Ted.
But I would do it again. The reasoning behind it was solid: spitting allows you to truly analyze the flavors without getting too tipsy to focus, which is important in professional tastings. The reasoning behind our revolt was solid as well: some sips were just too good to let go.
For those who missed it, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a few insider tips straight from Ted himself:
The Ted Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed:
- When in doubt, go for a red wine from California—trust me, Ted swears by it.
- Chocolate Block from South Africa. The ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthdays, festive gatherings, or when you just want to impress someone.
- If you have a sensitive sense of smell and struggle to pick up aromas in wine, try this trick: Put your nose into the glass but inhale through your mouth instead. It changes the way you perceive the scents and can make all the difference.
- Acidity keeps wine fresh, balanced, and food-friendly. Without it, wine tastes flat. You’ll notice acidity as a crisp, mouthwatering sensation—like when you bite into a green apple or sip lemonade. The right balance of acidity makes a wine refreshing and vibrant!
And the cherry on top? A bit of inspiration.My favorite story from the course was about Madame Clicquot—the woman who, against all odds, revolutionized Champagne by finding a way to remove the yeast sediment, making the drink smoother and clearer. Not only that, but she was also one of the first to create pink Champagne. A woman stepping into a male-dominated world and changing it forever? Now that’s something worth toasting to!
Looking back, I didn’t just learn about wine—I learned how to experience it. To appreciate its history, its craft, and the way it brings people together. Would I recommend this class? Absolutely. Wine tasting is so much more than just drinking—it’s about discovering, experimenting, and savoring. And when you get to do it in good company, with someone as knowledgeable (and patient) as Ted guiding you, it becomes something truly special.
So, If you ever get the chance to do something like this, don’t hesitate. And if you’re lucky enough to have Ted as your guide, prepare to be amazed.
🍷✨ Cheers to the wines we tasted, the ones we loved,
and the ones we’ll keep exploring! ✨🍷
