Here is our list of the best food tasting events for teams.
Food tasting events for teams are organized experiences where groups can taste a variety of foods and beverages together. Examples include Bee America, The Caviar Co., and The Chocolate House. The purpose of these services is to provide an opportunity for team building and bonding over a shared love of food. Members taste different types of food and learn about cultures and traditions, which offers a sense of appreciation and belonging.
Food tasting events are similar to snack boxes for employees, virtual team dinner ideas, and online group cooking classes.
This list includes:
- virtual food tasting events
- food tasting event ideas
- food sampling events for groups
- group food tours
Here we go!
List of food tasting events for teams
Food tasting events provide an excellent opportunity for coworkers to bond over their shared love of food. Whether in-person or online, these events allow participants to sample a variety of flavors and cuisines while learning about the ingredients and cooking techniques used to create them. Here is our list of some of the best food tasting event ideas that groups can enjoy.
1. The Chocolate House
The Chocolate House, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is a paradise for chocolate lovers. This artisanal chocolate shop offers a range of handcrafted chocolates, truffles, caramels, and chocolate bars made from the finest quality cocoa beans worldwide.
In addition to delectable treats, The Chocolate House also group classes and sampling events for groups. Chocolate experts host the events and guide the participants through the different flavor notes of each chocolate and how to make dishes.
Overall, The Chocolate House is a must-visit destination for any chocolate lover, whether you want to indulge in their delectable treats or learn about the art and history of chocolate.
Learn more about The Chocolate House.
2. The Cheese School of San Francisco
The Cheese School of San Francisco is a culinary institution that focuses solely on one of the most beloved foods in the world, cheese. The firm offers various classes, tastings, and events, including virtual food tasting events. Whether you want to expand your cheese knowledge or enjoy its flavors, The Cheese School has everything sorted for your team.
As far as food tasting event ideas go, The Cheese School offers a variety of unique experiences. The company offers tasting classes where you can sample a variety of cheeses paired with wine, beer, or other beverages. The firm also has classes that focus on specific regions or types of cheese, allowing you to explore new flavors and learn more about the art of cheese making.
The site also has cheese and charcuterie platters that you can customize to your group’s preferences. For a better experience, the firm also hosts farm tours that include in-person visits to local parks. On these tours, members visit the farms and learn about the cheese-making process. You can also contact the site for customized private team tours for eight members or more.
Learn more about The Cheese School of San Francisco.
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3. Pasolivo
Pasolivo is an award-winning California-based olive oil producer that has been making olive oil since 2012. This ranch is located in Paso Robles, and Hollywood director and producer King Vidor used to own the property. Today, the Dirk family owns Pasolivo and creates world-class olive oils.
Your team can enjoy this delectable condiment through a virtual tasting! Each tasting package has two olive oils, two vinegars, and two spices. Best of all, tasting sessions include two hours with an olive oil expert. During the tasting, participants will learn about olive oil, production, farming, cooking, and flavors. Guests will also get innovative recipe ideas and custom pairing recommendations.
Learn more about Pasolivo.
4. The Great Guac Off
The Great Guac Off is a guacamole-making competition for teams. This experience is 90-minutes and fully facilitated by a high energy host, who brings all ingredients and handles setup and cleanup as well as guiding the group. The event starts with a trivia face-off where teams can win secret ingredients. Then, groups whip up their guac. Finally, participants taste the dips and vote for a winner.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
5. Bee America
Honey enthusiasts will love working with Bee America for a tasting event! This firm sells honey from the DC Metro Region, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia. In addition, Bee America crafts honey using historical recipes and techniques to honor American history. Best of all, the products are all-natural and contain no additives.
Bee America offers both in-person and virtual tasting experiences.
Tasting kits include the following:
- Four three-ounce jars of artisanal honey
- A mini honey dipper and tasting spoons
- A tasting guide placemat and pencil
- Shortbread cookies to cleanse the palette
- A chocolate bar topped with flowers, honey, and bee pollen
Then, participants will talk to a honey sommelier, who will guide participants through the tasting experience. This expert will teach folks how to choose honey, how bees make honey, and why pollen sources affect honey flavor. In addition, attendees will get to hear pairing recommendations from the sommelier. Optionally, teams can upgrade their packages to include extra palette cleansers or drinks.
Learn more about Bee America.
6. Formaggio Kitchen
If you are looking for a taste of European delights sent to the comfort of your home, then consider checking out Formaggio Kitchen! This firm opened in 1978 with a dream of bringing European shopping to Cambridge. Formaggio Kitchen now has storefronts in Cambridge, South End, Kendall, and New York.
You can choose from six different virtual tasting options, which are French Picnic, A Taste of Spain, Olive Oil Bundle, Vinegar Bundle, and You’re So Cheesy.
A Taste of Spain is one of the top choices and includes a wide selection of tasty tapas.
Here is what the bundle includes:
- Bonilla Chips
- Losada Gordal Pitted
- Matiz Piparras
- Cambados Galician Scallops
- Santa Teresa Membrillo
- Fermin Iberico Chorizo
- Villadharo Manchego Curado
- Cana de Cabra
- Kamiku Curado Ahumado
- Almonds Marcona with Skin
Additionally, you can add on Iberico ham and white anchovies for an additional fee. Once you receive your package, you can check out Formaggio Kitchen’s website or YouTube channel for a tasting video hosted by owner Julia Hallman. She will teach you all about the history of the ingredients and how to enjoy tapas best.
Learn more about Formaggio Kitchen.
7. Avital
Teams looking for a truly unique experience will love Avital! This firm hosts immersive and unique food tours, both in person and online. The founder, Avital Ungar, has been leading these tours since 2011. Avital offers a wide range of virtual experiences, including Tongue Twister, Drinks and Appetizers, and Water Tastings.
The virtual water tasting course features five premium waters in glass bottles, specifically three still waters and two sparkling waters. Additionally, the kit includes dark chocolate, charcuterie, and a water test strip. A certified water sommelier will lead your team through the one-hour event. Guests will learn to taste the waters with the food pairings and participate in a tap water experiment. To see water from a whole new perspective, be sure to check out this event.
Learn more about Avital.
8. The Caviar Co.
Teams with refined palettes will appreciate this high-end caviar-tasting experience! The Caviar Co. is a woman-owned and operated business based in San Fransisco. The firm focuses on sustainability, working with aquaculture and sustainable sturgeon farms to avoid affecting wild sturgeon populations.
Shoppers can choose from four flight options, which are Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond tastings. Each kit comes with three ten-gram jars of caviar, blini, crème fraîche, a caviar tin key, and a Mother of Pearl spoon. The different packages feature increasingly premium caviar, from trout roe all the way to Siberian sturgeon.
During the tasting, a caviar concierge will discuss each caviar and share tasting notes, eating techniques, and fun pairings. Caviar experts and newbies alike will love getting the chance to taste this delicacy.
Learn more about The Caviar Co.
9. Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is a Western Canadian distillery that uses locally grown produce to make premium liquors. Today, the distillery produces over 30 award-winning spirits, from whisky to absinthe. Okanagan Spirits offers virtual tasting classes, one of which is a whisky-tasting course.
The whisky-tasting kit includes the following:
- BC Rye Whisky
- BRBN Bourbon-Style Whisky
- Tequila-Finished Laird of Fintry Single Malt Whisky
- Packinghouse Amber Whisky
- Four tasting glasses
- Info cards for each whisky variety
Expert distillery staff will lead tasters through a one-hour Zoom session. Participants will get to learn about different styles of whisky from this farm-to-distillery. Additionally, folks can order the bottles in three different sizes, which are the after-work, the get-the-party-started, and the I-am-a-rockstar sizes.
Learn more about Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery.
10. Anarchy in a Jar
Your team can experience the fiery world of Anarchy in a Jar, where the love for hot sauce takes center stage! Laena McCarthy, the founder and certified hot sauce enthusiast, offers an exciting hot sauce-tasting adventure.
Whether you are an in-person group or connecting virtually, the experience will add a spicy twist to your day. For those gathering in person, enjoy a curated lineup of more than ten hot sauces, gluten-free organic tortilla chips, and even chocolate. The sauces are from the popular internet show Hot Ones. If you choose the virtual experience, then you can still sample the curated hot sauces and participate in fun activities.
Participants will get to play interactive games, including pin-the-chili on your favorite hot sauce and hot sauce trivia, ensuring a memorable time for groups of all sizes. Overall, Anarchy in a Jar offers an unforgettable adventure for your taste buds.
Learn more about Anarchy in a Jar.
11. Cupcakes 101
Cupcakes 101 in Bedford, New Hampshire, offers a delectable selection of cupcakes and treats. The menu boasts over 100 delicious cupcake flavors, with most flavors available in regular and gluten-free options.
The flavor selection is extensive, from classic chocolate and vanilla to unique specialties like Almond Joy and Butterbeer. There are varying minimum order requirements depending on the type of cupcake, allowing for customization and variety.
In addition to the standard offerings, Cupcakes 101 provides options for Happy Hour Cupcakes and Seasonal Cupcakes, perfect for special occasions. Minimum orders apply for these specialty cupcakes as well.
Best of all, Cupcakes 101 also offers cupcake tastings for corporate or social events, providing guests with a delightful array of flavors. Tastings are informal, and customers can stop by to sample from the daily menu. If you are a New Hampshire local, be sure to stop by for a delicious sampling!
Learn more about Cupcakes 101.
12. Underground Donut Tour
Underground Donut Tour offers exciting group food tours in various cities across the US, Canada, and Europe! The firm offers groups the chance to explore and celebrate the world of donuts.
This two-hour tour explores four local donut shops, giving folks time to enjoy a wide range of desserts. Locations offer donuts, mini donuts, or donut pieces, depending on the storefront. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour spans about two miles of walking.
Teams can also book customizable tours for a personal experience. Groups can fully customize the itinerary, from selecting the day of the week, time of day, and number of stops to determining the desired level of physical activity during the tour. The firm offers custom pricing that accommodates group size and individual preferences. Special dietary requests, such as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, are also readily available.
From Boston to Dublin to New Orleans, teams can enjoy tasty treats!
Learn more about Underground Donut Tour.
Conclusion
Food tasting events are a great way to bring teams together and create a unique and enjoyable experience. There are plenty of options, whether it is a virtual food tasting event, a group food tour, or a food sampling event. These activities offer a fun and delicious way to bond with colleagues or friends, try new foods, and learn about different cultures.
Next up, check out these articles on conference food ideas, snack delivery services, and office breakfast ideas, and this list of ice cream social ideas.
