Tasting Room Etiquette
Having just returned from another great Napa Valley wine tasting excursion, I
thought I would write about wine tasting etiquette. A good tasting experience
starts with a friendly professional welcome from the staff. If you are not treated
warmly upon arrival it's best to just leave as you will probably not enjoy your
experience, the wine, nor will you purchase. On the flip side, make sure you treat
these hard working staff members with respect as they vie to win you over as a
potential customer. A little homework into the tasting room etiquette will help you discover
what is expected of you to make the staff and your fellow tasters more
comfortable during the experience.
Prep for the Tasting:
I would recommend eating something. The reason for eating is that a full meal
will help absorb some of the alcohol in your system. Even if you sip lightly, the
alcohol levels can creep up on you before you know it.
Hydrate by drinking plenty of water before, during and after each winery visit.
Thinking about hydrating by drinking as much water or more, or at least equal to
the amount of wine you have sipped. Also, drinking water during your tasting can
affect how you perceive some of the wines flavors. Certain grape varieties are
best experienced when the glass is rinsed with water between tastings.
A hugh part of tasting is smell. Don't wear heavy perfume, cologne or shaving
lotions before tasting.
Dress for your visit! If you are planning a visit into the wineries caves, know that
this is a cool environment, typically around 60 degrees. Bring a light jacket. Also
if you are going to wander in the vineyard, wear comfortable shoes with closed
toes.
If you will be purchasing any wines to take with you after your tastings, take along
a nice size cooler with some ice packets to keep your wine
cool. If you leave your wine in the car even on a cool day, the temperatures can
get warm fairly quickly. Putting the wine in the cooler will help protect your
purchase, and keep the wine tasting fresh. Heat kills wine.
Once you Arrive at the Tasting Room:
Taking notes during the tasting can help you remember what you tasted, but its
signals to the pourer that you are serious about the tasting experience. Often
times, this will get you more personalized attention, and often a chance to get a
pour of other wines that they don't typically serve on that days schedule. Tasting
fees and appointments are fairly customary. Tasting fees are typically refunded or
waived with a minimal purchase. There can be stipulations on the number of
bottles or a dollar figure.
You will notice dump buckets during your tasting, as they are a place to dump
unwanted wine. Your pourer will not be offended, and the empty glass is a trigger
for them to pour the next wine to taste. Don't be surprised if you see tasters
spitting a mouthful of wine into the dump bucket. Actually, this is a common
practice among experienced tasters. The spitting technique helps to keep your
palate clean and your head clear if you are tasting a lot of wine. You can
experience all of the lovely aspects of wine without swallowing it. Taste buds are
only in your mouth. If you're in a crowed tasting room, you can request a plastic
cup for more discreet spitting.
And finally, the best way to show your appreciation is the purchase of wines that
you liked. Following these tips wherever you taste can make your experience more
enjoyable. Happy tasting!!!
