10 Things to Do Before Wine Tasting

One of the most enjoyable things to a wine lover is attending a wine tasting. There are many kinds of exciting wines in the market today.

Drinking wine with friends is pleasurable, but tasting different types of red wine and white wine is a delightful experience. But, if you’re unfamiliar with these events, they may seem overwhelming and even a little scary. When you’re attending a wine tasting, time is of the essence. 

Plan your activity well, whether you are a seasoned drinker or a newbie.   

How to Enjoy Wine Tasting: 10 Things to Do Before Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life. It can be enjoyable no matter your skill level and there’s nothing like learning something new to make you feel more alive! 

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your wine tour and enjoy the activity.

1. Do your homework on different wineries

Check out which wineries to visit.

Recently,  many new vineyards have mushroomed all over. As such, it is critical to research before making your decision. When deciding on a tour for a great wine tasting experience, check out several locations. Before you make your decision, you must research many wineries. It would be good to have a tasting room. Also, it would be best if you planned a diverse outing with both new and old wineries. 

Yet, some new vineyards may not live up to your expectations. It can take years for a vineyard to produce its wine.

There are countless selections that you might want to plan your visit around a specific type of wine. For example, if you crave white or fruit wines, you’ll want to find out which wineries make them. Of course, you can always taste them all and see which one suits you best if you’re new to the wine-tasting scene. Tour is more enjoyable in a cool climate.

Plan which wines to taste first. 

Try to devise a strategy before your tasting begins so you can plan the wines you want to try. You might not have time to taste all the wines available at a tasting in a few hours. You can plan better if you get a list of producers or wines beforehand.

As you walk through the aisles, taste wine such as sparkling wines and fresh whites first. Afterward, finish with bolder whites and tannic reds.

Consider a more focused approach as you taste wine. Is it a comparative tasting of Pinot Noir from various regions? It’s all up to you.

Be open to trying different wines.

Senior editor Tim Fish suggests trying the classics first and attempting new things. If you wish to sample the most prominent names, for example, Bordeaux first-growth wines, go there right away before the crowds form. When it’s less crowded, you may then try other new ones.

Getting out of your comfort zone is the advice of senior editor James Molesworth. There are so many spirits to choose from.  But there will be several that will suit your palate. 

In addition, you also have to prepare a list of must-visit wine producers. Your wine glass should be nearby. Be ready to taste various wines with fruity aromas or wines with higher alcohol content. 

From a Chateau Haut-Brion, look at the other wineries pouring into the booth immediately. If you’ve never tried one before, now is your chance. After you have sampled a glass of Haut-Brion, try something new. You can try lighter wines with red fruit or dry wines too. 

Senior editor James Laube says you must experience everything to discover your preferences. He enjoys the wines that appeal to him and likes vinos that appeal to others. Some like dry wines, while others like high acid ones. After all, you can better understand why you like certain wines.  

He also suggests finishing the evening with a glass of sweet wine like Sauternes or Port.  Either wine is an excellent palate cleanser.  Laube also prefers Champagne, which he describes as the “perfect palate cleanser.”

2. Know what to expect during a tasting

Experience wine-tasting process

Experts will explain the process of wine production. You will get first-hand information about where grapes are grown at many wineries.

 They will tell you which grape variety grows in cool climates or warm areas. 

You will know what it smells or tastes like during a wine tasting. 

You’ll also learn about various steps during a wine tasting. For instance, Inhale deeply to appreciate the wine aroma. Tilt your single glass first, so the wine thins out. Next, swirling, seeing, smelling, sipping, savoring, and selecting are part of the process. Taste wine slowly. 

The process will subsequently teach you about tasting wine and experiencing everything a wine offers. Besides, you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a bottle of wine; they will assist you. Taste wine freely. You can also request several wine glasses.

Ask questions 

Moreover, don’t be bashful to ask many questions as you please. It’s OK to ask them. The people who make the wine will appreciate that you care so much about their work.

It’s also essential that you identify your wine wants. A wine steward will be happy to help. What kind of wine do you like? Do you like a glass of liquor with fruity aromas or with secondary aromas? Or do you prefer balanced wine derived from a particular grape variety? Moreover, you can also ask about oak barrel aging and types of wine with residual sugar.

You might consider planning your visit around a specific wine with many choices. For example, if you’re craving red and fruit wines, check the wineries that make them. Next, do check if these wineries have a tasting room too.

Of course, if you’re new to the wine-tasting circuit, taste wine of different types. Taste wine derived from passion fruit or red fruit. You can also try wine with more alcohol. It’s better to try them all and see which one suits your taste buds. 

 3. Dress in comfort and style  

Wear dark-colored clothes

Choosing and wearing the proper outfit to a wine-tasting event is essential. Dark colors are best for avoiding stains. To avoid spilling, avoid dangling sleeves. Keep long hair tied back or hold it with your other hand. 

Wear comfortable shoes

The first suggestion when choosing what to wear is to wear the right shoes. Wear flats or low heels for comfort if you are a woman.

Several wineries have quaint patios and paved paths. Other wineries are in pleasant,  grassy picnic areas. However, winery owners would like to tour guests to their vineyards. Vineyards have uneven ground.

To avoid any falling accidents, better not to wear high-heeled shoes. No winery host wants you to trip or fall into the grounds because you chose to wear heels while walking. 

Bring a purse

Another good tip is to bring a purse if you are holding anything during the tasting. Your purse can hold other items. For instance, you can bring a tasting book, notebook, smartphone, or tablet. If you carry a wine glass, you will only have one hand free to hold a plate of food.

Besides, with a purse,  you have one free hand to shake hands with winemakers or take down notes. 

4. Skip wearing fragrance

Ladies should avoid using scented products when it comes to their beauty routine.  All wine-tasting guests should observe wine-tasting etiquette.

Wine drinkers like to savor refined wine aromas and then taste wine.  Strong scents like perfumes, colognes, or body lotions interfere with the experience.

For ladies who can’t leave without lipstick, you may wish to limit usage while wine tasting. Prevent leaving lipstick marks all over the glasses, which are challenging to clean.

Don’t spray on strong perfume as the sense of smell is so important to the drinking experience. Moreover, it’s difficult to appreciate all the flavors of a delicate Riesling.  Much more savor a complex Cabernet Sauvignon with overpowering scents around.

Please maintain your unique aromas out of the tasting space—.You don’t want to miss a wine’s nuances.

5. Eat something before wine-tasting

Eat before you sip.

Indeed, attending a winery on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Having a meal beforehand will help you to avoid becoming intoxicated. If intoxicated, you might miss the essence of the wine-tasting experience. Make sure you had a good meal. And if food is available onsite, such as fresh fruit or cheese, eat first and put your glass down. You can nibble on roasted nuts before tasting white wines again. In between sips of wine,  remember to consume water to stay hydrated.

How to avoid staining your teeth

Moreover, drinking red wine can stain your teeth, unfortunately.  The stain comes from the tannins found in grape skins. No one wants to have a purple-tinted grin at the winery. Think ahead about how you will handle this issue.  Pack a spare toothbrush in your purse. After wine tasting, brushing your teeth may remove your teeth of protective enamel. Drinking water and bringing some chewing gum with you afterward are better options too. 

6. Sip and Spit

There are several wine-tasting tips to remember. Sipping wine and spitting is a common practice during wine tastings. 

Spitting is a necessary part of wine tasting. You must clear your taste buds for the next white or red wine sample.

Spitting etiquette

It is common to see individuals spitting into a spit cup or bucket after every wine taste. Before the event, practice at home first. As they say, practice makes perfect. Be conscious. Don’t be too hasty to spit. You must get closer to the spit bucket. If you’re spitting into a shared bucket, you’ll want to spit more slowly so it won’t splash. It’s ok to hold your glass.

You can request that the bucket be switched out or find another receptacle. If there is a large crowd around the spit bucket, you may want to wait until you can get closer. Though, it is not required. But if you switch between red and white or sweet and dry, you may wish to rinse your glass. Besides, if you do rinse your wine glass, you’ll do it best by using a splash of wine rather than water. If you don’t want to consume wine with high alcohol content, pour it out.

7. Take note of your favorite spirits

The taste of a fantastic wine lingers in your mouth. You also remember the wine aromas. But unfortunately,  you can’t remember the name of that precious  Italian wine. Swearing won’t help either.

It is good to remember the wine taste, but it is better to remember the name.  There is no need to swear if you take down notes.

Use a smartphone to take down notes.

Still, you’ll struggle to remember even if you’re spitting a dozen alcoholic beverages a day later.  You would still be confused if you preferred Brunello or Chianti Classico. Remembering the distinct taste and name of the bottle won’t be difficult if you take notes.

One good tip is to using phone’s camera to document your favorite wines. But if you are uncertain about describing the taste, be straightforward by adding a plus or minus sign to the wine and wine producer.

8. Meet and greet winemakers

Don’t miss out on talking to winemakers. Getting the opportunity to know the back story of excellent wine is exciting and truly remarkable. Winemakers and winery owners closely interact at the event so take the time to talk to them!

Smile, sip, and make a connection with them.

It isn’t every day that you meet wine experts. Don’t hesitate to ask them about their excellent liquor. Feed on your curiosity and ask any questions about styles, grapes, vintages, or regions. They are a great resource as they are very knowledgeable. They can share information about malolactic fermentation and aging wine. Or better yet, share information on why wine fermentation smell like burnt matches. 

Find out about volatile acidity. Learn the difference between Pinot noir and high acid wines. Also, ask about wine tasting tips while appreciating a glass of wine with them.

Moreover, they’ll be happy to answer your queries if you’re polite and enthusiastic. Smile, taste the wine,  and make a pleasant connection with them.

9.  Don’t feel pressured to buy wine.

While touring a winery, you should have an enjoyable time as you taste wine. You don’t have to buy wine at every stop. Don’t feel pressured to buy at a  winery tour. It would be fantastic if you enjoyed all the sights, sounds, and flavors of the day.  Besides, enjoy touring the facility. You will learn about grape growing and different grape varieties.

While you are not required to buy a bottle at every stop, buy it if you like a particular wine. You might also fancy red wines with floral notes or fruit aromas.

Be prepared to store new wines.

Make sure you store your bottles if you bring home any. Put your wines in a box in the backseat of your car. So they do roll over in the trunk.  Once you reach home, store your newly bought wines in a wine refrigerator. Wines like varietal mainly should be in excellent storage. Afterward, plan a little dinner party to show off your new wine knowledge. Share tasting skills over a glass of wine with friends. It will be like having your intimate wine club.

10. Prepare safe transportation.

While most tours conclude with a tasting, some wineries offer you much more than a taste. In addition, if you make the rounds from winery to winery, you should decide who will drive before you go.  

Indeed, having a sober and responsible driver for your wine appreciate event is critical. You should ride home with a responsible driver from wine tastings to brewery tours. 

Consequently, someone should be sober enough to drive if you are wine-sampling with friends. But if you want to treat yourself, consider hiring a car service.  Don’t put yourself or others in danger by knowing your limitations.  Moreover, safety should come in first. 

Conclusion

A wine tasting specifically provides you with a lot of knowledge and enjoyment. It’s not always simple to recognize good white or red spirits. You may not be aware, but a great wine has other outstanding characteristics.

You will find more about a wine’s characteristics by attending a winery. You’ll learn things such as balance and structure. Furthermore, you will get to experience wine through your five senses. During the wine-tasting activity, all your five senses are on overdrive. You will see the varieties of wine and its colors and appreciate them. You can feel the wine’s texture and density using your sense of touch.

Subsequently, you can learn what you like and don’t like by paying close attention to the bouquets and nuances in the wine’s taste with the sense of smell.

Using your sense of hearing, you will also hear beautiful stories and wine knowledge.

The sense of taste is vital in wine tasting. So in this event, we learn to appreciate wine’s well-loved flavors. You learn about different types of wine, and their prices and suitable food matches too.

Moreover, it’s also an excellent opportunity to widen your circle of acquaintances. It’s always nice to make new friends. Have a glass of good wine with a cheese plate or one of your favorite appetizers. Cheers to a beautiful celebration with friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many types of wines are featured at a winery?

A standard wine-tasting event should have a selection of 8-10 wines. Tasting two spirits and comparing them help the guests appreciate the various flavors.

2. Do I have to make a reservation for a wine tasting? 

Due to COVID-19, most wineries now must have reservations for walk-in visitors.

But in some locations, appointments are mandatory even if you’re a casual visitor. While making an appointment in every region may not be compulsory, it’s good to call first. You may also inquire about virtual tasting guidelines and liquid restrictions.

Ask about their walk-in policies for tastings and tours. Also, inquire about policies specifically on the weekends. 

3. Can I bring kids to the wine-tasting activity? How about pets?

Some wineries and regions are more welcoming than others. As such, it’s best to ask about the child and pet policies during an outbreak. Some wineries welcome children free, but others charge a small tour fee. Some wineries allow pets too. On the other hand, several tasting rooms renowned for being dog-friendly have altered their policies. So even if you’ve brought your dog in the past, double-check the current guidelines.

4. What are the best wine country regions in the US?

Some of the best wine regions are Washington, Napa Valley, and Pasa Robles in California.  Oregon, Texas, and North Georgia are also popular wine country areas.

5. What wine is a good match for different types of food?

As a general guide, bold red wines are specifically best for red meat dishes. Red or white meats suit light red wines. On the other hand, match fish with intense white wine. Also, serve seafood and other crustaceans with dry or sparkling white wines—pair desserts or sweet dishes with sweet spirits. Sweet liquors have residual sugar content.