An Idiot's Guide to Wine

If you have ever felt a bit overwhelmed by the pretension that sometimes surrounds wine tasting, a new show coming to Brighton might be worth a look. An Idiot's Guide to Wine is heading to Komedia this summer, and it takes a different approach to the usual sommelier-led sessions. The show is hosted by Australian comedian Merrick Watts, who happens to hold a WSET Level 3 certification. It is essentially a mix of stand-up comedy and a guided tasting, designed to strip away the jargon and focus on the actual experience of drinking wine.

The format is straightforward: you get to try six different wine varietals from around the world while Merrick performs his set. It is not a lecture, but rather a 70-minute show that aims to be relaxed and social. Since it is held in the basement at Komedia on Gardner Street, the seating is cabaret-style and unreserved, which fits the casual vibe they are going for. It is strictly an 18+ event, and while the focus is on the wine, they do offer non-alcoholic options for an additional cost if you prefer to skip the alcohol but still want to catch the show.

For those planning to head down, there are two dates scheduled in Brighton: July 26, 2026, and September 13, 2026. On both of those days, there are two sessions available, one at 15:30 and another at 18:30. Tickets are priced at £35.20. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone who already knows their way around a wine list, the idea here is simply to have a bit of a laugh while learning something new about what is in your glass. It seems like a decent option if you are looking for something a bit different to do with friends or a partner on a weekend afternoon or evening.