Wine is produced in each
and every one of the 50 United States. So, as wine making and wine tasting become
more popular in the U.S., and wine regions continue to expand faster than my waistline, more and more of us
have the unique opportunity to sample the wine bounty than ever before. If
you’re planning to visit tasting rooms in Wine Country, USA anytime soon, there
are a few things you should know to help make the most out of your experience.
1. Limit the number of wineries you plan to visit to three
or four. It’s tempting to try to taste as much as you can, and to try and stop
at every winery you pass by. But squeezing too many visits into one day not only limits
your overall experience, it just might ruin it. Take your time, sit on the decks and soak up the view,
walk the grounds, the vineyards or the cellar if permitted. Talk to the tasting
room staff or the winemaker, if they’re around; they usually love
to share their knowledge about wine and their personal stories with those who
show interest.
2. Avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, heavily scented
body/hair products and lipstick. Strong chemical aromas will mask or even alter
both the aromas and the flavors of the wine… not only for you, but also for
wine drinkers around you, so be considerate. Lipstick will immediately turn
your pourer off. One look at you and all they can think about is the extra time
and effort it will take to wash and buff your glass special so the next guest isn’t wearing your lipstick too.
3. Don't chew gum. It’s not school, but you’re there to
taste, so that's all I have to say about that.
4. Leave the kids and dogs at home. It's not fun for
children shadowing their parents all day as they drive from winery to winery, and no, tasting room employees don’t double as babysitters and won’t entertain
them. So, while it sounds like Fluffy would have lots of grounds to roam,
vineyards to explore and moles to chase, most wineries don’t allow pets on the
property (as they often have their own). Exception
to the rule: Do your research first and select one winery with picnic grounds
and an outdoor activity like bocce ball, horseshoes or disc golf to keep the
kids busy while you sip away (but still leave the dogs at home).
5. Be prepared to spend a little cash (or to swipe the
plastic). Once upon a time, wine tasting was a free activity, but like my
youth, those days are long gone. If you’re prepared to spend roughly $10 per
person at each winery, you won't have any disappointing surprises. You're not
obligated to buy anything, but tasting rooms are actually in business to sell
wine. So, if you like something or enjoyed your experience, take home a bottle
and take home the memory. Some wineries will even waive the tasting fees with
purchase.
6. A little preparation goes a long way. Have a cooler on
hand to store your purchases. It can get quite warm in the car while touring
the countryside (think sauna). You'll want to protect the precious bottles of
wine you bring home. Nothing will ruin your day faster than an expensive bottle of cooked wine.
7. Bring a lunch, buy a bottle and stay awhile. It’s not
speed dating for wine—no need to rush off to the next. Pull up a chair and watch the grapes
ripen. Slowing down never felt so good.
8. Remember the five S’s: swirl, sniff, sip, savor and spit.
9. Yes, it's OK to spit and dump, in fact, please do! Spit
buckets are conveniently located on every tasting room bar (or you can ask for
your own cup to be more discreet). Though spitting can be awkward and perhaps
even messy for novice wine tasters, a little backsplash is much more desirable
than a stumbling drunk. It might seem wasteful and perhaps even rude, but the
best option (if you’re not driving) is to have a small taste of everything
you’re poured and then dump the remaining wine instead of drinking the whole
glass.
10. Keep in mind you’re a guest on someone else’s property.
Wineries can be a dangerous place if you wander where you shouldn't go
(remember Agustus Glup in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?). Wineries are often
family businesses with the family living on the grounds, so don't open closed
doors and always be respectful. Wine can be an aphrodesiac, but wait till you
get home (or at least until off winery grounds) to take your clothes off. Many wineries actually have
cameras in place, and the staff (while having great stories to tell for months)
really don’t enjoy having to chase half-naked (and fully naked) people off
the grounds… and yes, I do speak from experience.
Wine tasting is a fun activity and whether or not you follow
these simple suggestions, you’re on your way to creating memories to last a
lifetime. These tips will ensure a successful and embarrassment–free tasting
experience. So, now that you now how to do it, all you need to is get out there
and taste, enjoy!
