Words: Alex Grunberg

4 Stars

Vanity von Glow enters the spacious but packed Monboddo with a sultry dress and even sultrier voice, singing a welcome to the audience excitedly waiting with wine glasses lined before them. The crowd work begins, and she’s joined by wine expert Beth Brickenden who meets her partner in comedy joke for joke with innuendos and education in equal measure. 

This was a very fun event led by two confident hosts, whose easy banter, quick wit, and delightful friendship were every bit as sweet and biting as the tasty variety of wines. I was not expecting Von Glow’s wonderful singing voice, nor the range of song genres she has mastered. I was not expecting the raunchiest jokes to come from Beth Brickenden who took obvious joy in fooling with her stage partner and the crowd. The audience interactions were friendly and supportive, even when they poked fun, and everyone was happy to play along with the pair’s antics and participate when called upon. The crowd loved the invitations to sing-along and by the final number were up and dancing to the music.

Amidst all the shenanigans I also learned interesting information and terminology about wine in this unconventional educational setting. I feel prepared to be appropriately pretentious as I bring this information into the world and pepper “bâtonnage” into whatever wine conversations I can. 

Songs, dances, facts, participation, a lot of fun, and good wine. 

Drag Queen Wine Tasting
Ministry of Camp @ Monboddo
14:30, 17:30
Aug 16-18, 21-25