Wine Tasting Tips for Beginners

New to the world of wine tasting?

Whether you’ve been vineyard hopping before or it’s your first time, one thing is for sure: there’s nothing like going out and doing a bit of wine tasting on a beautiful day with friends! Wine tasting is the perfect social opportunity that mixes just the right amount of relaxation and creativity with adventure and interconnection. Great conversation is always available along with beautiful picturesque images of the surrounding landscape. Many tasting rooms even have pieces of artwork or jewelry to look at, admire, or buy. Also, look for pieces of historical significance which may tell a story of the surrounding region or vineyard which came into being so long ago.

So, if you’re ready for a new and intriguing kind of experience, check out a few tips below before you go!

Bring your ID

Make sure you bring something like a driver’s license with you that proves your age. Vineyard owners are just as serious about being legally responsible as they are of making stellar wine. If you’re between the ages of 21 and 45 it’s a good idea to bring ID. And always have a designated driver—that’s just good common sense.

Call ahead of time

Most likely, wine tasting rooms will be available, especially for smaller vineyards and on the weekends. However, many wineries are by appointment only, so it is best to call ahead of time to ask about hours and get the specifics on how any particular vineyard/tasting room is run. Ask how big the tasting room is and, if you are with numerous people, give them a head count as well.

Dress for the occasion

You want to feel comfortable when enjoying an afternoon of wine tasting. Don’t overdress, but do be polite and wear something decent enough you wouldn’t feel too embarrassed about if you run into the in-laws or an old friend. If you’re with a larger group of people, consider wearing something on the darker side, in case of any ‘accidental wine mixing.’ Hold off on the perfume and cologne if you don’t want to be confused with the smell of a robust glass of ‘wildflowers or a type of musty tree bark’ … which wouldn’t be all that bad, but still.

Snack before you go, or stash some in the car

Having a little something to eat beforehand will ensure a more pleasant experience. While some wineries offer a few snacks for sale, it’s a good rule of thumb to prepare ahead of time. You don’t want to ‘get tanked’ and have to leave just after the first few sips, simply because you started with an empty stomach. And of course, tasting and enjoying new wines isn’t about getting tipsy or drunk anyway. It’s about savoring a newfound experience with friends… who don’t give you the stink-eye for leaving too early from a lack of planning.

Bring money just in case… and a wine cooler

“We’re just out for a bit of fun today” is often the plan… but plans can go awry (in a good way) when you really, really find a wine you like! Trust us, it happens all the time. Stick to the plan of a simple fun-filled outing; just be prepared and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.

Social customs and courtesy

If you’re the last troop around or near closing time, be sure to ask if the tasting room is still available. Most tasting rooms are happy to oblige. If they do—and you and your life-filled soiree end up staying an extra 20-30 minutes—do the kind thing and buy a bottle. Chances are you won’t regret it.

Smoking

Wine is not just about its richness in flavor, it’s also about the fragrance or bouquet. Smoking or even chewing gum before a tasting will definitely take away from the whole experience. Lighting up even around the premises would be considered a ‘faux pas’ and likely get you some pretty dissatisfied onlookers, and not just from those friendly farm animals often there. There are a few acceptions to this rule. Some wineries have designated smoking areas or signs posted to help guide you. When in doubt, just ask where smoking is permitted – it’s the considerate thing to do. 

Should you bring the kids?

Many wine enthusiasts agree that while wine tasting, it’s best to leave the kids at home or with a babysitter. That being said, most wineries won’t mind having the whole family stop by, as long as there is a maintained level of respect toward keeping a calm and pleasant atmosphere, and the “horseplay” gets saved for trips to places like McDonald’s. If you do bring the whole crew, consider bringing along a few coloring books and crayons, or quiet gadgets for them to focus on while you savor and sample the whole vineyard experience. Remember, every winery is different so feel free to call ahead and ask if the winery has a family-friendly atmosphere or if the establishment is best suited for an adult outing.

Come by Rosella’s cozy tasting room, we’ve got a great selection of wines to choose from along with the perfect idea for any food pairing!

~Cheers!