Go in With an Open Mind

It is never a bad thing to know what you like and don’t like, but wine tasting is the perfect time to experience something new or give a flavor you haven’t liked in the past another try. I cannot count the times that I have been pouring for a particular winery and hear; “Oh, I don’t like Chardonnay,” or “Oh, I don’t like Cabernet Sauvignon.” Here is something to think about. Remember, you are tasting, whether it be white, red, or dessert wines. You are not committing to buying a bottle of everything you sip. You just might find your new favorite wine.

Be Patient

The beauty of California’s Wine Regions is the slower pace of life. If we pause for a minute, isn’t that exactly what most of us visitors enjoy during our vacations or daytrips to do a little wine tasting? Remember, during the summer months are when the tasting rooms are their busiest, it’s possible that you may feel a little impatient. To be sure those serving as the winery’s hospitality team work hard to ensure everyone is having a wonderful experience. Isn’t that why you are there? Sometimes we just have slowdown a little so we can genuinely enjoy life in wine country. If you are a little like me, you may just never want to leave!

Cleanse Your Palate

Be sure to take a bottle of water along or, if water is provided, it is a good idea to take a sip or two between each pour to cleanse your palate of the wine you just tasted and prepare for the next wine. This is especially helpful if you plan to visit more than one winery that day. There may also be crackers or other small bits to be had. Just keep in mind that these are provided to help you cleanse your palate — they are not a substitute for a meal. More about that later in my next article.

Spit or Use the Dump Bucket

It may come as a surprise to some that it is perfectly fine to make use of spittoons, or a personal dump bucket during a wine tasting. Spitting wine is important because you cannot have a nuanced tasting if intoxicated. It is also an appropriate and acceptable way to move on from something you are not loving. When you are visiting multiple wineries, or tasting rooms in one day, it can be a good idea to restrain your wine consumption by spitting or dumping.

Ask Questions

This is a terrific way to become more familiar with grape varieties, terms like malolactic fermentation. I love the winery experience, talking with the people whose passion is displayed in the glass of wine you are tasting. In learning how, when, and why they decided to be a winemaker.

When it comes to wine tasting asking questions shows you are there for more than just drinking wine, but rather, you are there to enjoy the winery experience and all it has to offer you during your visit!

Feel free to visit my California Wineries Directory on my website, https://www.cacorks.com

John Krause

Founder/California Corks