If you’re new to the wine tasting tour circuit, it can seem a bit daunting to walk into a tasting room and know what to do. We’re here to help! We’ve put together some of the best advice on the do’s and don’t of wine tasting etiquette so that you can have to the best experience possible!
Make Reservations!
The majority of wineries in wine country are open to the general public seven days a week, but some are only open on weekends or by appointment. Let us look after this part of your wine country visit for you by letting us know what types of wines and wineries you like when you book with us. This applies especially for groups as many wineries need to make special arrangements for groups larger than eight, and some are not able to accommodate groups at all!
Wine tours are offered at many wineries, and reservations for these activities are often strongly advised or even required. When you book your wine country transport with us we can look after this for you as we know our way around these parts!
Ask questions!
That’s right, if you want to know more (or just anything at all) about wine, don’t be afraid to ask your tasting room server. Tasting room staff are there to educate you about their wines and how they are made so if there’s something you’re not sure of or don’t understand, just ask. The servers and tasting room managers are bursting with information. Take advantage.
Taste what you like!
It is okay to skip any of the wines on the tasting list. Some people just want to taste the reds. Some may be interested in tasting only certain varietals of wine. Normally you would not ask for a second taste of one particular wine unless you indicate that you are interested in purchasing the wine. See more at Wine Country Getaways
Don’t be the answer to “What’s that smell?”
It’s impossible to appreciate the aroma of a Cabernet when the air is heavy with the fragrance of perfume or smoke. So be mindful not to introduce any unwanted aromatics to the tasting room, even if the staff is too polite to say anything. “We just go open the door to get some fresh air,” said Churchill. Bullock suggests taking the tasting outside if the day is nice, “to enjoy the views of the vineyard and get them as far away from everyone else’s nose as possible.” Learn more at Wine Spectator
How to Taste
To taste the wine, fill your mouth about ½ full and subtly swish the wine around. Moving the wine in your mouth should release its aroma and coat your mouth. Think about how the wine’s aroma. Does tasting the wine confirm your interpretation of the wine’s bouquet. Learn more at Etiquette Scholar
Pour it Out!
What should you do with the wine in your glass you have tasted? If you do not want the rest of the wine in your glass, you can pour it into a dump bucket. It is really okay. In addition, it is a good idea to spit your wine into the bucket. However it might be easier to spit into a cup. Ask if there is a cup that you can use. You can then dump the contents from the cup into the dump bucket. Even though tastings are small, they do add up after a number of tastings. More from Wine Trail Traveler
We’ve got lots more tips for you how to enjoy your Wine Tasting experience with more etiquette pointers here for visitors to Napa Valley and Sonoma.