-
Do not wear strong
perfume or fragrances while tasting wine. Most of what you taste, is
what you smell! Strong fragrances can alter the wines you are
tasting. It also alters the wine others are tasting.
-
Chewing mints or
gum will definitely affect the taste of wine - and not for the
better! Smoking will have the same effect.
-
The goal of
tasting wines is to expose you to great wine and help acquaint you
with a particular winemaker’s style, not get you drunk. I want you
to have a great time, feel comfortable, maybe learn a little but
please limit your consumption to what you can handle.
-
You will be given
“tastes” of wine. The pour that you get may vary from winery to
winery - some giving you more than others (and possibly more than
you want). The wineries will not be offended if you either spit or
dump-out wine. No one at the winery will put you on the spot if you
do not consume the wine. You may also opt out of tasting a
particular wine if it’s not your thing (although I highly recommend
that you taste all types of wine since one type can differ in style
from one winery to another).
-
Do not be afraid
to ask questions. Wine makers LOVE to tell you about their wine. No
question is a stupid question and learning adds so much to the wine
drinking experience.
-
Drink lots of
water between tasting wines. Staying hydrated is the key to avoiding
hangovers. You’ll thank yourself in the morning! We provide cheese,
crackers, fresh fruit and plenty of water. That all helps with the
"wine buzz" and enhances the entire experience.
-
Take a note pad to
make tasting notes. It’s always good to write down your perception
of the wine you tasted as you taste it (and when you still
remember). You will surprised later when you go back and read your
notes how it helps you to learn and enjoy wine at a new level.
-
If you find a wine
that you especially like, buy it from the winery! You don’t have to
feel obligated to purchase on your visit, but if you know you’re
going to buy it anyway, then why not directly from the people who
make it? Plus it’s a great token of
your
wine excursion and it gives you a way to share the experience with
friends when you return home.
-
Lastly, enjoy
yourself. Exploring wineries should be a very fun experience. Try
wineries you have never been to and some that you’ve never even
heard of. Try some wines that you wouldn't normally drink.
Ultimately, I want to make sure you feel comfortable in the tasting
room, learn a little, taste some great wine and have a wonderful
day. It is YOUR day, and I'm here to make it the best possible. If
I can do anything to make the day better, just ask.
