Imagine tasting wine in total darkness, relying solely on your senses of smell, touch, and taste. That’s precisely what Hardys’ “Tasting in the Dark” offers. Located in the heart of South Australia, this 1.5-hour experience costs $82 per person and is hosted in an intimate Fortified Cellar setting. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll spend the session blindfolded, pouring wine into black glasses, and discovering how much sight influences our perception of wine.
What we love about this experience is how it strips away the distraction of sight, forcing you to rely on your other senses—something that makes wine tasting both more fun and more educational. The second is the opportunity to learn “wine sensory tricks” that you can impress friends with back home. The only potential drawback? If you’re sensitive to darkness or blindfolds, it might be a tad uncomfortable initially.
This experience suits curious wine lovers, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone keen to understand more about how their senses shape tasting. It’s ideal for those who enjoy interactive activities and want a fresh take on traditional wine tasting.
Key Points
- Unique sensory challenge: Tasting wine in darkness heightens your other senses.
- Educational and fun: Learn tricks to enhance your wine appreciation.
- Small-group intimacy: Limited to 10 participants for a personalized experience.
- All-inclusive: Wine and food tastings are included, offering great value.
- Suitable for all levels: No prior wine knowledge needed.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly setting.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
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Setting and Location: A Historic Fortified Cellar
The whole adventure takes place inside a historic Fortified Cellar, adding a touch of authenticity and charm. This intimate space creates an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and cozy—perfect for focusing on the senses without distractions. The setting’s dark ambiance is carefully managed to enhance the sensory experience without feeling claustrophobic or overly mysterious.
The Guided Journey: Who Leads You?
Your host, whose name isn’t specified but is described as knowledgeable and engaging, will guide you through each step. They explain how each of the five senses contributes to tasting wine and introduce the concept of sensory perception. The guides’ role is crucial—they make the experience accessible, especially for those new to wine or sensory exploration. Many reviews highlight how the guides manage to keep the mood light and fun, making even the most skeptical participants feel comfortable.
The Core of the Experience: Tasting in Darkness
The main feature is “Tasting in the Dark,” where lights are dimmed, and guests are blindfolded or prompted to wear blindfolds. Wine is poured into black glasses to eliminate the visual influence. This part of the experience is eye-opening—literally—and invites you to notice how your sense of smell, texture, and taste change when sight is removed.
Participants reported that “it’s surprising how much sight influences perception” and that “the darkness brought out flavors I never noticed before.” One review noted how the darkness “heightened my awareness of aroma and texture” and helped them understand how much their eyes can influence judgment.
More Great Tours NearbyLearning and Practical Skills
Throughout the session, you’ll pick up “wine sensory tricks,” which are simple but effective ways to evaluate wine more objectively. Expect to learn how smell, temperature, and even touch can influence your tasting. Many find these tips useful when selecting wines at a store or restaurant, turning a casual hobby into a more sophisticated skill.
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The Wines and Food
All wine and food tastings are included in the price, which offers good value considering the personalized guidance and the unique setting. While the specific wines aren’t named, the experience emphasizes enhancing your palate and understanding how to pick out flavors, aroma profiles, and textures.
Group Size and Accessibility
With a maximum of 10 participants, the experience maintains an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. We like that it’s wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs. The small group size also means plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction—perfect for those who prefer personalized attention.
Duration and Timing
The activity lasts about 1.5 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon. This makes it an excellent choice for a relaxed afternoon activity, especially after exploring nearby wineries or Adelaide’s cultural sights. The limited duration keeps it engaging without feeling drawn out, and the flexible cancellation policy (full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance) adds peace of mind.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best for adventurous wine enthusiasts who want to see their favorite beverage in a new light. It’s also great for group celebrations—like birthdays or team-building exercises—because of its interactive and playful nature. If you’re curious about how your senses influence your perceptions, this tour will definitely open your eyes—literally and figuratively.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For about $82, you receive a personalized, hands-on experience that blends education with entertainment. The chance to learn “sensory tricks” and understand your palate more deeply is a gift for any wine lover, whether a novice or a seasoned connoisseur. The setting, guided by friendly and knowledgeable hosts, makes the experience memorable and accessible.
One of the biggest selling points is how it enhances appreciation for the role of senses in wine tasting—something often overlooked in traditional tastings. Plus, the inclusion of food and wine tastings means you’re not just paying for a novelty but gaining real skills that can elevate your future wine experiences.
If you enjoy interactive activities and want to challenge your perceptions while having fun with friends or family, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy learning through experience and aren’t shy about a little darkness to spice things up.
FAQ
Is the experience suitable for beginners? Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for all levels, with no prior wine knowledge required.
How long does the activity last? It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect afternoon activity.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible? Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.
What is included in the price? All wine tastes and accompanying food are included, along with guided instruction.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing is fine; just be prepared for the dark and potential blindfolds.
Is this suitable for groups? Absolutely, the experience is designed for small groups, limited to 10 participants, which encourages interaction.
Will I learn useful wine tasting tricks? Yes, the guide will share sensory techniques that can be used at social gatherings or to refine your palate.
What about the wines used? Specific wines aren’t named, but the focus is on sensory exploration rather than wine type.
To sum it up, Hardys’ “Tasting in the Dark” offers a clever twist on traditional wine tasting, making it a memorable, educational, and engaging experience. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to deepen their understanding of how senses influence perception, all while having a good time. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to add a fun activity to your South Australian itinerary, this sensory journey is well worth considering.
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