Murder Mystery events intrigue at Vineworks

A group listens to Ian Ashworth discuss wine. Courtesy of Hallie Bradley

By Hallie Bradley

Vineworks, a casual wine bar in Sangsu, Seoul, is offering excitement and intrigue with its murder mystery events. Owner Ian Ashworth tells guests to expect “A full-blown, character-driven whodunit,” where participants arrive “ready to carry out objectives that lead to an eventual unveiling of the murderer.”

Similar to the board game Clue where players compete to solve a murder, in a Murder Mystery, guests can take on a character by adorning costumes and even accents. In advance, participants are emailed complete character descriptions that include everything from personality traits to style tips before the event begins so they can dress to impress and prepare for the mystery and intrigue. They are also given secret missions they must complete throughout the event which will ultimately assist them in finding the murderer amongst them.

“We have plenty of games to choose from,” Ashworth continued, “usually themed on times like the 1980s or 1920s, or location like Hawaii or a cruise ship.”

People who are looking for something different to do with friends or a special event for a birthday party, or even as a team-building exercise would be especially suited for this event, held at Vineworks near Sangsu Station on Seoul Metro Line 6 in the Hongdae area.

Vineworks is a venue that hosts wine tastings and explorations and seeks to challenge the stereotypes and myths that wine or tastings are snobby or only for the knowledgeable. “Ultimately, we are for the wine curious, people who drink wine and just want to know how to ask the right questions and feel empowered enough to make the right choices. And by right, I mean a wine that pairs well with the consumer,” Ashworth explained.

He thinks the wine industry has changed dramatically in the last five years as wines can now be found at competitive rates everywhere from convenience stores to galbi restaurants. “What we are seeing is a decline in the old-school uber-inflated wine bars hawking lies and luxury, and frankly good riddance. Customers are more educated and driven by exploration,” Ashworth said of the changing wine scene.

Vineworks has been offering the Murder Mystery package since last year, as well as various other events each weekend. It provides the private space, tasty side dishes and foods on theme with the occasion, and lightly paired wines to set the mood for a fun afternoon or evening.

“We don't want to just focus on the wine itself but also the social and interactive nature of the drink,” Ashworth said.

Vineworks also hosts wine-centered and social events throughout the week and welcomes anyone that is wine curious. “Wine is like reading or music; you can never experience everything ― there's always something new to explore.”

Speaking of reading, it even has its own monthly book club.

On Fridays, the doors open for wine social events from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with country-themed wine buffets and unlimited refills.

On Saturdays, the “Grapes of Wrath” events pit two countries head to head with six wines and three grapes in a blind taste test and at the end guests choose the winner. Of course, there really is no winner according to Ashworth as it's all about finding what speaks to you and pairs best to you. This means there are always plenty of surprises and fun to be had as visitors discuss, critique and sip on the wines at hand.

For those interested in a bit more of a challenge, there are regionally themed tastings and roast dinners with a wine exploration after and the Bordeaux Club will explore all of the Grand Cru Classes en 1855 wines this year. Visit vineworkskorea.com or fb.com/vineworkskorea for an updated schedule of events to join.

Hallie Bradley is a writer based in Seoul and runs the popular site thesoulofseoul.net.