About us
Who We Are
At Still & Vine, we bring wine and spirits to life through curated tastings that go beyond standard pairings. Led by Still & Vine Founder, Matt Rankin, our events combine expertise, storytelling, and conversation, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation.
Our Story
Still & Vine was founded on the belief that wine and spirits are more than drinks — they’re stories. Each glass tells a tale of place, craft, and culture. Our mission is to bring those stories to life in a way that is approachable, intimate, and deeply memorable.
Meet Matt
Matt is an experienced tasting host and educator with professional certifications from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (Level II Certification). With years of expertise in both wine and spirits, he brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and approachability to every event. His tastings balance education and ambiance, ensuring guests walk away inspired, engaged, and enlightened — never intimidated.
Our Philosophy
Wine and spirits should bring people together. We create an environment where conversation flows as naturally as the wine itself.
Services
What We Do
Educational Tastings
Designed for wine and spirits enthusiasts eager to learn more, these events dive deeper into tasting techniques, regional varieties, and pairings — all in an approachable format.
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Curated Spirits Tastings
We host guided tastings featuring whiskey, tequila, rum, gin, and other fine spirits. Each experience explores flavor, production methods, and history while highlighting what makes each spirit—and each brand—distinct.
Spirit & Food Pairings
A curated tasting that pairs premium spirits with complementary bites, creating an elevated and balanced flavor experience.
Testimonials
Customer stories
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How to Taste Spirits Like a Professional
Tasting fine spirits is about slowing down and letting aroma, flavor, and texture reveal their story. Whether you’re exploring whiskey, tequila, rum, or gin, understanding the fundamentals deepens appreciation and turns every glass into a conversation. Start with the nose by taking short, gentle sniffs to identify layers of sweetness, spice, oak, or botanicals. Sip slowly and let each taste coat your tongue before noting how it evolves. Add a few drops of water to open aromas and soften high-proof edges. Notice the finish — how long the flavors linger and shift. Keep a tasting journal to capture your impressions and develop your palate over time. A guided session with a certified host connects these techniques to the craft and culture behind each spirit.
The Art of the Corporate Cocktail Experience
Corporate gatherings often revolve around dinners and conversation — but a shared mixology or spirits tasting adds a layer of connection and learning. Interactive cocktail sessions encourage participation as guests shake, stir, and taste together, breaking the ice immediately. Explaining why a classic like the Old Fashioned works adds education without formality. Offering a mix of whiskey, rum, and tequila options — plus non-alcoholic alternatives — ensures everyone feels included. The goal isn’t perfection but shared discovery and enjoyment. Each event closes with a story — the heritage and people behind the spirits — so the experience feels personal and memorable long after the final toast.
Tequila vs. Mezcal — The Story Behind the Smoke
Tequila and mezcal share a heritage rooted in agave, yet they diverge dramatically in craft and character. Tequila is made from blue weber agave in Jalisco and steamed in industrial ovens, producing a clean, citrus-driven profile. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be crafted from dozens of agave species roasted in earthen pits, creating its signature smoky depth. Where tequila is bright and refined, mezcal is earthy, robust, and layered with regional identity. Both can be aged as blanco, reposado, or añejo, each style revealing its own expression. Authentic tequila is certified by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), ensuring quality and origin. Exploring them side by side in a guided tasting reveals how process, place, and tradition shape each spirit’s distinct story.
