OMG that is soooo funny! I was recently at this "super hip" wine bar it's downtown where all the wannabeeezzz hang out. Totally overpriced and generic! I was totally disapointed! Not only was the wine mediocre at best, the cheese plate waayyy overpriced and not all that great, the waiter had NO clue when I asked him about some French wine. I was hoping to get a glass of really good Italian wine of a certain vintage but they didn't have it. And this may sound sort of "snooty" (ok maybe not in this crowd) but the red wine was served WAY too warm! When I mentioned this to the server, he looked at me like I was crazy and said, well, reds are served at room temp. I looked at him and was like, em, not so much, cellar temp. Whatever it wasn't that great anyway. But when you pay $20 for a glass of wine that was not worth that at all, wel... you at least want to enjoy it.

I go to tastings from time to time. Mosty they are tastings sponsored by distributors held at a restaurants or private rooms. Mostly low key, and well attended by "industry people". I often learn from them! I mostly keep quiet and observe (i know that sounds hard to believe!). Only a few times have I heard someone just out and out make crazy incorrect comments. Almost always are people well behaved and eager to share knowledge. Every once in a while at a tasting have I run across some arrogant jerk. (oh yeah, my teacher! at the Sommelier classes! the worst!)

 Are you working the tasting? I guess I am curious, what sort of stuff are they saying? I know for myself, if I don't know something and am there taking notes, I'd be appreciative of a more experienced person correcting me in a nice way.I ask questions if I need to know or I read a lot. But somethings only come with asking or tasting. I suppose some people just act as though they know it all.

Hahahaaa! Too funny and I can see that it may be frustrating for you. If I ever see those types, I'll remember this and laugh behind my glass!