The team behind the SOMM films and SOMM TV has delivered documentaries and an entire streaming network. Most recently, they released the first-ever blind wine tasting card game – SOMM Blinders Game.
The Origins of SOMM Blinders – The Blind Wine Tasting Card Game
While filming the first SOMM documentary, the team experienced a deep dive into the mind-blowing world of blind wine tasting. As a result, they discovered that blind tasting is extremely difficult. But they also realized that it could be strangely fun, particularly in a relaxed environment surrounded by family or friends.
Throughout the first SOMM film, future master sommeliers swirl, sniff, and sip their way to hone in on a wine’s correct variety, region, and vintage. There’s only one correct answer from thousands of potential possibilities. At that level, candidates effortlessly determine a Chardonnay from Napa versus a white Bourgogne. It’s also expected that with one sip, they can identify a specific vineyard site on a certain slope within a particular region – without hesitation!
Because of this, there’s a level of intimidation surrounding blind tasting. But the team behind the films wanted a way to bring the art of blind tasting to the regular world. Thus, SOMM Blinders Game was born.
How SOMM Blinders Game Works
Currently, there are three different decks available to play. The Original Deck hosts a suite of eight wines — four red and four white — while the red and white decks each host six. Each deck has nearly 100 playing cards, including 50 tasting note cards plus additional descriptor cards to help identify the wine.
Each descriptor card provides the wine you could be drinking if a particular flavor or characteristic is present. This allows someone who knows very little about wine to play and enjoy and come away even having learnt something. But it’s not limited to wine newbies; sommeliers can compete against others and still walk away at a loss. Blind wine tasting is one of the most difficult skills to keep up to scratch. Blinders keeps you learning and makes it fun.
Still not convinced? Watch the clip below and read the rules. It may be the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life (including yourself). Use code SOMM_MAG for 30% off decks.
