Wine tasting, by definition, is an event where a group of people gathers to taste and compare samples of wine. Though this can be very enjoyable, many people are not clear of what they are expected to do or not to do, when arriving at a tasting event.
COVID-19 has affected wineries in hosting such events, however, most of them are welcoming visitors by reservations. Depending on the region, some wineries don’t book advance reservations, so it will be a good idea to place a call and ask them about their walk-in policies for tasting, and vineyard tours, especially on the weekends. This way, everyone can stay on the same page without the possibility of any mismanagement happening.
The unspoken general rules of wine tasting etiquette remain relatively the same, despite the COVID-19 situation. Here are some tips to help prepare yourself before heading out to the winery.
Clothing & Shoes
Unless there is a dress code, go with comfortable and casual clothing. Also, consider the weather when choosing an outfit. This is crucial as you’ll be given a tour around the vineyard and if it’s summer, do not wear something that’s tight or heavily layered. For women, a sundress or dress slacks can be worn and golf attire or button-down shirts are what men can wear wine tasting.
Also, do remember that accidents could happen and you or someone else may spill the wine. To manage such circumstances avoid wearing white clothing as well as clothes with flared sleeves, and if you have long hair, tying it up will be a good idea to avoid getting things between you and your glass. Think sophisticated and elegant instead of urban and flashy, and you’re good to go.
The next important tip is to wear the right shoes. The majority of wineries have concrete pathways and patios, but some have grassy picnic spaces, so it’s important to wear the right shoes. Some wineries may offer tours to their vineyard, where you may find dirt and uneven ground. Therefore, it is best to find out about the winery you want to visit and then choose whether to wear heels or flats, closed-toed shoes, or sandals suitable for the environment.
Avoid Fragrances
This is the most basic and obvious rule when wine tasting. Avoid wearing strong perfume, body sprays, aftershave, fragrant lotions, powders, and so on. Wine tasting is a sensory experience that incorporates sight, smell, and taste. Therefore, it is a general rule of wine tasting etiquette not to wear perfumes, as it’ll interfere with you and your fellow tasters’ sensory experience to detect the wine’s delicate aromas.
Plan Your Budget
Some wineries charge a tasting fee of $5 per person, which is usually waived if you purchase a bottle. With so many choices available, it is often easy to overspend. The wine tasting experience can cost $15 to $20, depending on their price policies.
So, it will be better if you make a plan on how and what you’ll be spending, and keep some extra in case you decide to purchase your favorite bottle to take home.
You can also get a wine subscription to receive your favorite wine delivered right to your doorstep. This way you’ll have access to limited-release wines, exclusive discounts, and sometimes free tickets to wine tasting events. It’ll save you time and money and with a subscription, you do not even need to go out to purchase wine in this pandemic.
Practice Proper Technique
Your wine tasting experience can also be affected by the way you hold the wine glass. It may look like a silly matter, however, if you hold the glass by the bowl, your hand’s warmth can alter the flavor of the wine and smudge the glass.
Always hold wine glasses by the stem and swirl them before taking a sip. Swirling the wine increases the oxygen content in the glass and lets the wine “breathe” which gives off the best flavor.
The following 4 steps will make you a pro at wine tasting:
- Sight
Evaluate your wine’s appearance and observe its color and clarity. It indicates the condition of the wine, whether it has something floating in it, or if it is a clear liquid, spotty or cloudy. You can also tell about the quality of the wine by looking at its color. How intense is it? The age and the varietal of the wine, the level of oak treatment, all affect the wine’s color.
- Swirl
As mentioned before, the swirling technique raises the oxygen content in the glass, making the wine more flavorful. It increases the intensity of the wine’s aromas.
In order to swirl, make sure your glass is no more than half full and move it by the stem of the glass instead of your hand to the bowl.
- Sniff
The aromas in the wine are arguably one of the most important aspects of wine tasting. Taking a moment to smell your wine before drinking tells about the quality and the condition of your wine. It leaves clues as to what to expect when the wine reaches your palate.
The major categories of aromas you may encounter are fruit, floral, spice, oak, and vegetables.
- Sip
Now, it’s time to evaluate the wine’s palate profile and decide which one tastes better. To taste the wine, take a small sip, swish it around your mouth and then either swallow or spit it in a bucket. Take note of the way your mouth feels and contemplate the elements lingering on your taste buds.
Use The Spittoons
Spitting in public is frowned at, but spitting during a wine tasting event is perfectly acceptable. You’ll notice spittoons or spit buckets are placed at easily accessible spots for your convenience.
Spittoons were especially designed to prevent people from ingesting too much alcohol, which would eventually lead them to become drunk and intoxicated. It could become a health hazard for people who will be driving back home.
Eat & Drink
While you are busy tasting wine, it’s easy to become dehydrated and lightheaded. So drink water in between tastings and also rinse your glass after sipping wine to avoid mixing up the different flavors.
Also, remember to have a snack before you go for wine tasting. Drinking wine on an empty stomach can make you nauseous and drunk very quickly. There are often snacks at the wineries during these events, however, it’s a good idea if you carry some in your bag.
Have Fun
You don’t need to be experienced or a pro to go to a wine tasting event. It’s just an experience where you can go with friends or family and spend some quality time together and also connect with new people. It’s not a competition or a test that you have to pass at the end, nor do you have to impress anyone. Just do your thing, enjoy and have fun!