Mastering the Wine Tasting

Tastings at wineries, flights at restaurants and bars, food and wine pairing events… The ways in which to try a variety of wines are endless and are created to help introduce the consumer to what will hopefully be their new favorite wine.

               This summer, my mom and I spent a leisurely three hours on my patio conducting a wine and chip pairing she had found on social media. Using my Coravin system, we poured ourselves small samples and worked our way through seven wines and chips. We took our time, savoring and discussing each. It was relaxing, delightful and memorable, and it got me thinking about wine tastings in general.

               I have always been a fan of tastings, as they give me the opportunity to try a wide range of wines before committing to a glass or bottle. Throughout my wine explorations, I have been through every  type of tasting imaginable, from the most peaceful to the most fast-paced where I lost track of what wine I was on. Taking into consideration my own personal experiences, as well as my time as a pourer at a winery, I thought it would be fun to discuss my suggestions on how to master the perfect wine tasting.

               First and foremost, if there is a place for you to sit or step away and sip your flight or current pour at your own pace, I highly recommend utilizing it. I don’t know if you are like me or not, but when I am standing there, with the undivided attention of the wine server, I start to feel hurried and consume my wine way quicker than I would like. Now, I will say that unless the server is terrible at their job, or just a terrible person, they do not want you to rush and want you to enjoy your time and find a wine that speaks to you, but I still find this scenario a bit daunting. Finding a quiet spot to savor your sample gives you the freedom to sip slowly and take the time to discuss the wine or take any notes that will help you remember what you liked or disliked about a particular pour. It simply gives you the opportunity to better reflect and enjoy the wine.

               Thinking about my first tip leads us right into my second suggestion. Have some way to take notes on what you are drinking. During a tasting, you typically get to try five or more wines, and taking notes can help you in determining which one you loved, which one intrigued you, and which one simply wasn’t for you. I’m crazy, so I have various books to help me track my wines, and I use a 10-point system with one-word notes to describe its most prominent feature. This has worked well for me, but other systems I have seen folks use are taking very detailed notes in their phones using some form of writing program, tracking everything in an app like Vivino, or taking the flight sheet given at most places and putting either a happy or sad face next to each sample they try. Whatever method best suits you, I just think it is so important to track your tries. It not only helps you during the time of the tasting, but as you rank more and more wines, you will begin to see what types and styles you are personally drawn to. Also, it is just fun to look back at all of your wine experiences.

               My third suggestion is a way to help not only you, but other customers have a wonderful time. It is so important that when visiting a wine establishment you have the opportunity to get to know the wines and winery by asking questions and hearing the stories of the vines and people that made your current quaff. However, it is always good practice to be mindful of the person serving you, and if they have other customers. If I had a dime for every time I tried to politely slip over to give another group their next pour only to be thwarted by a very enthusiastic individual wanting to talk non-stop about anything and everything related, and not related, to wine, I would be a very rich woman. My personal practice is if the person helping me is also helping other people, I tend to ask them one question or clarification per pour. For me, this makes the experience a rewarding and educational one, where I feel like I get to know the wine I am drinking, without taking away from someone else. Everyone is happy in the end.

               My fourth recommendation focuses on tipping. I know there will be those who will hate me for the following, but be careful when it comes to leaving a tip. For many of us, the final bill will not only include the flight and glasses enjoyed, but it will also include the bottles to be consumed at home and other merch like shirts, hats and stickers. It is my suggestion to leave a tip based on the wine and food you enjoyed there, not on the stuff you are taking home. I have fallen victim numerous times to just clicking the 20% tip button on the tablet they handed me and realizing too late that I just tipped $20, when all I had while there was a flight and charcuterie. Now, if you had the most magical of times and feel the person deserves an extraordinary tip based on everything, that server will appreciate it greatly, but then again, any tip is much appreciated.

               Fifth, never ever feel bad if you don’t like a wine. Everyone has a different palate, and everyone in the wine industry knows and respects this. The sole reason wineries offer tastings and flights is because they want their customers to try a variety of their wines in hopes each person will find a wine or two they love and will buy. When in the middle of a tasting, if you find something you don’t like, do not hesitate to use the dump buckets most places have sitting on the tables or bar. And, don’t be embarrassed to let the employee helping you know it wasn’t your favorite, as most of the time, if you can articulate what you didn’t like about it, they can help you find something you can truly appreciate. For most wine professionals, the rush from helping someone find their next favorite wine is the greatest feeling. And, on the rare occasion where none of the wines at a location are your cup of tea, or glass of wine in this situation, that’s okay. Everyone has their own wine style, and just enjoy the journey of trying and learning about new wines.

               Number six, always ask for water. Most places will automatically give you a glass, but if they don’t, request one. Water is key for two reasons. One, hydration. Getting dehydrated will dry out your palate and make the alcohol hit you in the worst way. Two, water in between each pour helps to cleanse the palate, allowing you to fully taste and feel the wine without the residue from a previous sample. As in every aspect of life, water is oh so important, even in the process of trying wine.

               Seventh and finally, always check a winery’s website, and if they don’t have one, give them a call before visiting. Every company has their own policies regarding reservations, if pets or children are allowed, party number restrictions, etc. I can’t tell you the number of times we had to send people away because they brought in their dog, or had over ten people in their group, which could have been easily avoided if they had just checked our website. Most sites will also provide you with tasting costs, available wines, and if they offer food or not. And, a little tip regarding food is if they do not have a kitchen or food truck, most places will allow you to bring in your own picnic or charcuterie, as long as you don’t bring in alcoholic beverages. All you have to do is ask.

               Well, that’s it. Kacia’s tips on a perfect wine tasting. I hope this helps you during your next wine adventure, as it has worked well for me. But, in the end, don’t forget that the most important thing is to have fun. Cheers to successful and enjoyable wine tastings!