Let’s Share A Pour
With decades of experience as a sommelier — and a background in teaching and theatre — I bring a mix of knowledge, storytelling, and performance to every event. I call it edutainment: learning through laughter, curiosity, and connection.
I would love to help create an unforgettable event for you; please see below.
*Please try to book well in advance for private dining events. I have a large list of wine choices to tailor a bespoke experience to your needs, and will prepare a truly memorable night of storytelling and sharing.
Private Dining Room Experiences
191 Nicholson Street, Carlton, 15 minutes from CBD
Hatted restaurant
$300/ head all inclusive, 2.5 hours
5 courses matched to 5 wines
Tailored menu and pairings
Three spaces to choose from, small, medium and large.
Minimum 8 people, maximum 20 people
Available for Lunch or Dinner, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
67 Cardigan Pl, Albert Park, 15 minutes from CBD
$300/ head all inclusive, 2.5 hours
5 courses matched to 5 wines
Tailored menu and pairings
One space
Minimum 10 people, maximum 18
Available for Lunch or Dinner, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
Public Events
Head over to the City Wine Shop website, or to my Instagram page where you will find links to buy tickets to any upcoming public events in my bio.
I also host corporate functions, MC wine events and awards, appear at food and wine festivals, and other events. Please contact me for my rates to host a public event for you, or to inquire about media appearances.
“Jay presented Greek wines at our inaugural Cheese and Wine event, and it was a real pleasure to work with him. The Greek Food & Wine Society is dedicated to celebrating and exploring Greek culinary traditions, and Jay was the perfect choice for this important first event. He was both knowledgeable and engaging, with a genuine passion for wines that came through in his presentation.
“His research into the Greek regions and varietals was thorough and impressive, and he has a wonderful ability to connect with our guests and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. We very much look forward to working with him again and highly recommend Jay.” — Meni, President, Greek Food & Wine Society
“His preparation and passion are unmatched- it’s clear there is no winging it. Jay immerses himself into his presentations with the method of a true academic, but presents it with an aplomb that only an entertainer can.
The feedback is incredible, people learn, laugh and are empowered to be more curious about the world of wine, they end up buying, supporting producers, and beyond that, coming back for more time and time again.
I truly believe there is nobody- no journalist, no educator, no sommelier who can deliver these edutainment experiences better than Jay, nor whose ripple can be tangibly impactful like Jay- and we’re excited to continue evolving with him.” — Elia, Into the Vines
“Our MC, Jay Bessell was a welcome presences as he celebrated the year that was, sharing his views on why Geelong is such a unique region with exceptional winemaking.” — Geelong Wine Show Awards, 2025
Photo by James Braund Photography