Along my wine journey, I have led and attended many tastings; several in store, at wineries, some private, and others at events. For the most part, they all work the same, depending on the size of the group and the environment. At events, attendees like to drink and network, while in store and at wineries, there is more of an interest in learning about the wines.
Chances are, if you like wine, you have visited a winery or attended a tasting at a store or other venue. Whichever tasting environment you choose to attend, there are tips to make your experience more pleasant for everyone.
- Do not wear strong scents. Perfumes, aftershaves, and colognes can interfere when trying to appreciate the aromas of wines. This also includes the odors of cigarettes, cigars, and other smoke shop items that have recently been declared legal in some states.
- Eat something in advance. While some store and event tastings may offer small snacks, it is best to have food in your stomach when beginning a wine tasting. If available, take advantage of the snacks between each pour and have water available so you stay hydrated. I call this the “Catholic Method” of drinking, alternating between water and wine.
- Plan out your tasting experience. A lot of venues will do this for you, suggesting which wines to start and end with. When I plan a tasting, I start with a welcoming bottle of sparkling. I then pour whites, starting with the lighter varietals first, moving to the fuller-bodied next. Reds are then opened in the same order. I will sometimes end with a sweet/dessert wine. You can certainly skip the ones you do not like, but best not to skip around.
- Swirl, Smell, Sip, Sense! To have the best experience at a wine tasting, you do not want to just dive right in and drink the wine. It is best to first gently swirl the wine around in the glass, releasing the aromas. Then smell the wine, holding the glass under your nose, pulling it away slowly. Next, take a sip of the wine, moving it around your palate, allowing the flavors to emerge. It takes time for this last step, but through practice you will be able to sense particular aromas and flavors in wine. Do not get frustrated if you do not pick up on them right away.
- Ask questions. As the wines are being poured, chances are something is being conveyed about each wine; you might also be handed a sheet of information. Don’t be shy to ask specific questions about the wines or the winery. It is actually fun to hear the story behind a bottle.
- Have fun! There are very serious wine tasters out there and you will occasionally encounter them on your wine journey. In life, it is important to have a semblance of humor in most situations; this is one of them. Enjoy yourself, but not to the point that you become “that person” or “that group”.
- Most important, drink sensibly! It is a good idea in these tasting situations to have a designated driver. Remember, it is not a bar so you will be served small pours but they do add up. It is helpful to have water on hand (“Catholic Method”) and to know your limits.
Cin Cin!
