There’s been a shift in what clients are asking for. Less interest in “just doing something nice”. More focus on: will this actually work?
Because most corporate events look good on paper… and then fall flat in the room.
People stay with who they know. Hover near the bar. Leave earlier than planned.
So here’s what’s working right now, and why.
What smart clients are booking right now
1. Wine Safari (for larger rooms)
Six wines. 150 people. No seating plan.
People move, explore, compare, go back for a second taste.
We did this recently with Monday.com, and you could feel the shift almost immediately.
Because the format does the work.
You give people something to engage with, and the room opens up.
Perfect for office openings and larger team events.
2. Casino-style tastings (for energy)
Three wines. Guests guess the price: £10, £50, £100.
It breaks the ice instantly:
People start talking
No one needs knowledge
It creates a shared moment
Perfect after a full day conference, and far more effective than standard networking.
3. Smaller, high-touch tastings (for senior teams)
This is where things get interesting.
Teams who already know each other, leadership groups, long-standing clients.
I’ve done this recently with Hogan Lovells and Vodafone. (click here)
On paper, it’s “just a dinner”.
But structure changes everything:
Thoughtful wine selection
Just enough knowledge to elevate the room
A clear, calm flow to the evening
It stops it feeling generic.
People engage more.
They ask questions.
They leave feeling like they’ve experienced something, not just attended.
Find out more about event themes
The mistake most corporate events still make
Focusing too much on the venue… and not enough on what actually happens inside it.
Yes, there are incredible spaces in London.
Beautiful, polished, expensive.
But that doesn’t guarantee a good event.
In fact, sometimes it does the opposite.
Because those environments can feel:
slightly intimidating
overly formal
a bit disconnected
And when that happens, people don’t relax.
What I’m seeing work far more right now is something different.
A shift towards spaces that feel more homely.
Less “look at this venue”.
More “you could be in someone’s kitchen”.
Standing around a counter.
Glass of wine in hand.
People moving naturally.
That’s when conversations actually happen.
That’s when people stay longer.
That’s where relationships build.
Because the magic isn’t in how impressive the venue looks.
It’s in how the room feels once people are in it.
3 wines I’d confidently order for a client dinner
If you’re hosting and want it to feel easy but considered:
1. Start with English sparkling
Nyetimber, Bolney Wine Estate, Breaky Bottom, Hattingley Valley, Hambledon Vineyard
A brilliant way to open the evening, and a natural talking point.
2. Move into fresh, citrus-led whites.
Think Albariño. Clean, bright, unoaked. A go-to: Martín Códax
If you like Chablis, you’ll like this.
Finish with Etna Rosso.
Sicilian, volcanic soils, light but structured. A red that works across the table. A supermarket go-to from M&S.
If you’ve got something coming up, summer events, client entertaining, team dinner, I’m always happy to share ideas.
Get in touch, email:
elizabeth@elizabethandwine.com
Thanks
Elizabeth
Founder, Elizabeth & Wine
📸 @elizabethwinegirl
Contact:
📞 07850 855818
✉️ elizabeth@elizabethandwine.com
Elizabeth & Wine specializes in client entertaining, leadership events, office openings, International Women’s Day, and end-of-year celebrations.