It is time to take the mystery out of wine tasting.
Visiting the wine country should be a fun, informative experience.
You should walk away having felt like you just had a nice visit and made a new friend.
You also should have learned something a long the way.
Never, never should you feel intimidated or be self-conscious or afraid to ask a question.
There are no stupid questions..
...
just a step to learning.
You will have many questions answered for you with this guide...
and you can always ask me more.
Let's get started! Before The Trip Have a plan of where you want to go each day.
You can order a map of the regions you want to visit from the Visitors Bureau.
,or get it on line.
I would recommend not trying to visit more than five wineries per day.
Start the Day off Right Eat a good breakfast.
But remember not to eat anything too spicy.
Also, don't go wine tasting with a cup of coffee in your hand; it will definitely alter your taste buds.
Now you are ready for your day to begin! Step #1 - There is no right or wrong when it comes to wine tasting.
If you love White Zinfandel...
okay.
Don't be intimidated even when people smirk and say"Really!?" Everyone's pallet is different.
That is why there are so many wineries and varietals.
But remember, always try a varietal that you have not tried before.
That is why you are there..
..
to learn and experiment.
Step #2 - Smelling the wine.
This is a key step before actually tasting your wine.
Giving your glass a good swirl will allow oxygen to mix with the wine, releasing the aroma aka bouquet, aka nose of the wine.
An essential part of the experience.
Eighty per cent what you get from the wine comes from the bouquet.
Put your less than half full glass of wine on a flat surface, give it a few swirls then put your nose deep in the wine glass and take a solid sniff.
Close your eyes and do it again...
what do smell? Step #3 - The glass.
This is a very important part of tasting.
The glass should be larger at the bottom so that it can release the aromas.
Be sure and hold the wine by the stem and not the bowl.
This keeps the wine from warming in your hand.
It is a misconception that the glass must be washed between tastes.
Actually rinsing the glass will water down the wine you taste next.
Let your glass be coated with wine not water.
Step #4 - If you have found a winery where you enjoyed the wines and felt welcomed by the winery personnel, think about joining their wine club.
Being a member of the wine club will continue the relationship.
There is also a good chance that you will have the opportunity to taste wines that are not found in retail markets.
Wineries also put on wonderful special events just for wine club members.
But, before you join find out how often they ship, and what is the monetary commitment.
Step #5 - Remember to drink lots of water during the day.
You also will want to stop and have lunch along the way.
Many of the wineries have beautiful picnic grounds that you may want to take advantage of.
I hope these tips are of help.
I have been in the wine industry since 1985 as the Director of Hospitality for wineries.
My goal is for visitors not only to have a special time that they remember forever, but to learn and appreciate the wonderful beverage that is wine!