The Free Event Turning Strangers Into Friends - Smile & Wines - Raffaele Martinelli
Show notes
The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast is brought to you by:
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Raffaele Martinelli – Sommelier & Founder, Smile & Wines
Website: https://www.smileandwines.com
Smile & Wines is a hospitality consultancy helping restaurants and venues create better wine menus, better-trained teams, and more memorable guest experiences.
Raffaele also runs Social Blind Wine Tasting, a free community-led event designed to bring people together, support local venues, and make wine fun, social, and accessible.
Services
Hospitality consultancy (wine menus & staff training)
Guest experience and service design
Private wine tastings (homes, groups, celebrations)
Corporate and business wine events
Cellar consulting and wine planning
Social Blind Wine Tasting (free community events)
Stortford Spotlight Answers
1. Billboard in Jackson Square
“Look after each other.”
A simple message about kindness, connection, and community, especially in a busy town where small gestures matter.
2. Secret Spot in Town
THE YEEROLOGIST at Eat 17 - https://www.eat17.co.uk/bishops-stortford-2/
Run by Emiliano, this Greek street food spot is Raffaele’s weekly go-to.
He highlights not just the food, but the warmth, smiles, and genuine hospitality that can instantly lift your day.
3. Local Legend to Spotlight
Social Blind Wine Tasting
Raffaele chose the project itself as a local legend in the making.
The events bring together 16–20 people who often don’t know each other, invite them to share wine and conversation, and leave with new connections and a stronger sense of community.
How Social Blind Wine Tasting Works
Book a free ticket
Bring a bottle linked to the night’s theme
Bottles are fully covered and tasted blind
No wine knowledge needed
Guess flavours, price, and origin
Chat, laugh, meet new people
Due to demand, events now run twice a month.
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