Secret Vintage
A structured, game-based tasting at Extra Virgin that guides Sailors through flavor identification, regional cues, and value assessment across seven wines, with a scored format led by the Foodie and the ship’s sommelier.
A competitive wine-tasting class led by the Happenings Cast and an onboard sommelier.
Sailor App Description: “Uncover wines with the Happenings Cast and our Sommelier in this wine tasting challenge — guess varietal, region, and decade! Hidden labels. High stakes. Secret Vintage is no ordinary wine tasting — it’s a game of instinct & curiosity. Sailors swirl, sniff, and sip their way through mystery wine tastings, scoring points in challenges. No wine expertise needed — just curiosity and a bold palate.”
Event Details
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Location: Extra Virgin, Deck 6
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Hosts: The Foodie (Happenings Cast) and a sommelier
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Format: Structured tasting for beginners with guided activities and scored rounds
What to Expect
Upon arrival, Sailors are seated at a table set with six mystery wines, a glass of water, and snacking bread, plus a scorecard and pen. A seventh wine remains concealed in a red bag for the finale. Guests are asked to wait for host instructions before tasting, as each pour aligns with a specific section of the scorecard. Throughout, the sommelier covers fundamentals of tasting and evaluation — including grape varieties, typical characteristics and notes, old world vs. new world indicators, and regional/climate cues.
The Experience
The session combines education with a light competitive structure. Points are self-awarded after each reveal, with bonus points available for mini-games and Q&A engagement. The top scorer is offered an additional glass of their preferred wine from the lineup.
Round Structure & Scoring
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Round 1: Tasting notes (max 3 points)
Assess the first wine and write three flavor notes you detect. After the reveal, score one point per matched characteristic with the sommelier’s profile.
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Round 2: Old vs. new world & region (max 4 points)
Taste two wines and use provided tips to identify old world or new world for each (1 point each), then guess the region (1 point each).
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Round 3: Value ladder & onboard price (max 6 points)
Evaluate three wines, ordering them most affordable → most expensive (points for correct order) and estimate the onboard bottle price for an additional point where correct.
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Round 4: Blind fundamentals (max 6 points)
The concealed seventh wine is analyzed. Identify type/color, grape variety, region/climate, and three characteristics to earn up to six points.
Bonus points will be awarded by the Foodie and sommelier for participation and correct answers and thoughtful contributions during mini-activities.
Need to Know
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Paid experience: A charge applies (price displayed in the Virgin Voyages Sailor App).
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Allergies & dietary restrictions: Please inform the host on arrival; accommodations will be attempted where possible.
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Reservation policy: Reservations are held until 10 minutes after the scheduled start. Unclaimed spots are released and no refunds are issued.
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Booking: Reserve via the Virgin Voyages Sailor App when connected to onboard Wi-Fi.
Summary
Secret Vintage is a structured, game-based tasting at Extra Virgin that guides Sailors through flavor identification, regional cues, and value assessment across seven wines, with a scored format led by the Foodie and the ship’s sommelier.
