Here is a workshop that is equal parts writing class and wine tasting. Tasting Notes is a fringe event of the George Town Literary Festival 2026, led by poet and performer Anthony Tao, at ChinaHouse on Beach Street on Saturday, 28 November 2026 from 4pm.
The idea is simple but clever. Over four glasses, moving from a plain white to a big, tannic red, you learn the wine trade's systematic way of tasting – how professionals look at, smell and describe a wine. Then the same close attention is turned onto language. Structured writing exercises accompany each pour, and by the end you walk away with your own poetic wine reviews.
Tickets are RM120 on CloudJoi and include the four glasses of wine. The session is in English. Capacity has not been published, but hands-on festival workshops like this are usually small, so booking ahead is sensible.
You do not need to be a poet or a wine buff to join; curiosity is enough. Bring a pen and notebook if you prefer writing by hand. Since the main GTLF programme runs on the same weekend (27–29 November), you can easily pair this with a few festival talks. ChinaHouse itself has a café and bar, so stay on for cake or dinner afterwards.
Highlights
- Led by poet and performer Anthony Tao
- Four wines from crisp white to tannic red
- Leave with your own written wine reviews
Tips
- Book early – workshop seats are usually limited
- Eat something beforehand; there are four glasses to get through
- Combine with the main GTLF 2026 programme that weekend
Not yet confirmed by the organiser: capacity, age limit. We'll update this page when details are published.
How to get there
ChinaHouse, 153 Beach Street, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang. ChinaHouse runs between Beach Street and Victoria Street in George Town; walkable from the Weld Quay and Lebuh Chulia areas. Open in Google Maps or open in Waze.
More workshops in Penang · What's on in George Town · What's on in Penang this month
Information from CloudJoi – official ticketing page. Last verified .
Details change — confirm with the organiser before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.
