Sommelier keeps wine tasters in the dark to sharpen their senses

Wine writer Jennifer Luk Kit-shan (pictured) plans to take blind tastings to a new level - conducting them in the dark.

Instead of wrapping bottles or tinting glasses, as is the norm in such samplings, Luk will turn off the lights on July 10 and 17 for the tasting of four types of wines with 'profound characteristics' at the Dialogue in the Dark Experience Centre in Mei Foo.

'Drinking in the darkness enhances smell and taste,' said Luk, who is a qualified sommelier and has organised wine events since 2004.

The sight of a wine's colour and label can also influence a taster's judgment, she said.

'Without all the distractions, you might be surprised what you've missed' about a wine in previous tastings, said Luk, who has employed specialist help for her sessions, which cost HK$550 per person and will be held mostly in Cantonese.

'We'll have a team of visually impaired trainers on the scene, guiding the guests and teaching them to get used to the darkness,' said Luk.