The Dos and Don’ts of Wine Tasting
Wine tastings should be fun and exciting, but many of us find the idea of them intimidating. Not quite sure of the dos and don’ts of a wine tasting? Fear not, we’re here to help.
In this blog post we will be unpacking the dos and don’ts of wine tasting, to help you plan and prepare for your visit.
DO your homework before booking a winery experience.
There are literally thousands of wineries across the globe. Whether you are staying local or fitting in a visit to a winery whilst travelling, it pays to do a bit of research before your trip.
What grape is the region you are visiting best known for? Is it in a picturesque setting? Easy to get to? What are their opening times and do you need to prebook? Just a few things to consider when planning your wine tasting itinerary. If you are visiting more than one winery, make sure you plan the time it takes to travel between them. Most wineries are quieter in mornings so perhaps start with the one you are most excited to visit so you can be there before it gets too busy.
DO eat a decent meal before wine tasting. (Or perhaps this should be DON’T go on an empty stomach.)
It is strongly advised that you attend your wine tasting after a hearty meal. If you are on a morning tour, make sure you have tucked into a large breakfast. Anything in the afternoon will require you to have a big lunch to help line the stomach. Sometimes it can be hard to keep track of how much you are actually drinking even though you are going to just be sipping your wine.
“You will be a wine expert in no time.”
DO ask questions.
Most people who attend a wine tasting are novices and are there to learn more about the wines they enjoy drinking. A good host will be approachable and will want you to ask questions rather than keep quiet. If you aren’t sure about a certain wine you are drinking or want to learn more about the history of the winery, don’t be afraid to ask! There are no silly questions and it shows your genuine interest in what they are producing.
DO drink water.
Drink water in between tastings to stay hydrated. We recommend drinking two glasses of water for every glass of wine you consume.
DON’T wear heels.
Wine tours and tastings will vary but most places won’t be suitable for high heels. You may be walking through vineyards or there may be production areas on the tour which might be slippery. While we are on the subject, it also may be wise to avoid wearing white. Just in case of any spillages!
With thousands of wineries to explore, each with it’s own tasting experience, you are now fully educated on wine tasting etiquette to head out there and give one a go. You will be a wine expert in no time.
