Mental Wine Tasting by Vincent Hedan

Effect

Mental Wine Tasting is a mentalism routine where the performer appears to read the minds of multiple participants. Four audience members write down their favorite drinks on slips of paper, which are then placed into wine glasses. The performer mixes the glasses, yet accurately identifies each person's chosen drink as if "tasting" it from the glass. The climax involves a final revelation where the drink seemingly materializes inside the glass, leaving the audience stunned.

Full Details

This trick combines psychological subtleties with clever mechanics to create an impossible mind-reading demonstration. The performer never touches the slips of paper directly, and the glasses remain in full view throughout. The routine builds in impossibility, starting with simple divinations before escalating to a physical manifestation of the chosen drink.

Matthew Pomeroy describes it as a transformative experience in his career, recalling how seeing Vincent Hedan perform it at a convention made him feel connected to the magic community. The trick's versatility allows for personalization—some performers enhance it with theatrical elements like lighting or music to heighten the emotional impact.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Mentalists looking for a multi-phase routine that plays well in parlour or stage settings.
• Close-up performers who want a scalable trick that can adapt to intimate or larger audiences.
• Storytellers, as the wine-tasting premise lends itself to themes of intuition, memory, or sensory perception.

Difficulty

• Moderate difficulty. The method relies more on presentation than complex sleight of hand, but timing and audience management are crucial.
• Requires confidence in handling multiple participants and maintaining a natural flow.
• As Pomeroy notes, the trick’s power lies in its emotional connection, so performers must focus on pacing and engagement.

What Magicians Say

• Matthew Pomeroy calls it "an incredible trick" that "completely floored" him when he first saw it performed. He praises its ability to create a shared moment of wonder, recalling how it helped him bond with fellow magicians.
• The routine’s flexibility is highlighted—Pomeroy mentions how performers like Kayla Drescher have adapted it with new presentations, proving its adaptability.
• Reviewers often emphasize the audience’s reaction; the combination of mentalism and a tangible payoff (the drink appearing) makes it memorable.

For magicians seeking a versatile, emotionally engaging routine, Mental Wine Tasting offers a proven framework that can be tailored to different styles and settings. Its blend of mystery and theatricality makes it a standout piece in any performer’s repertoire.