Have you ever attended or been invited to a wine-tasting event? Here is everything you need to know about wine-tasting events and what to expect at one of those.
What Is A Wine Tasting?
A wine-tasting party or tour is an event hosted by someone who owns a vineyard, or you may book a tour while you are traveling to learn how wine is made and all the different types there are. You may go alone, with your partner, or with friends and make a day out of it. Wineries host wine-tasting parties to make sales and to make consumers try out differently fermented local wines. Not all wineries have the same kind of wine with the same fermentation process. This is why they will be unique and have different experiences.
How To Prepare For It?
You can prepare for a wine-tasting event by first making a reservation. You should clear your schedule for the day and be prepared to spend the entire day, as it can be a fun and wholesome experience. While wine tastings can also be wrapped up quickly if you have to rush somewhere, it is not recommended to do so. This is because you should experience it for its maximum benefits. It would help if you visited the vineyard and learned about its history. Observe how the grapes are picked, allowed to ripen, and ferment. The different techniques and methods impact each bottle of wine’s texture, color, and flavor.
Make sure to come prepared with money as wine tastings charge a fee, and enough to buy a bottle as a souvenir for back home.
How To Dress
Wine tastings are formal events, so you should dress appropriately but be comfortable at the same time. Do not come too casually, and do not wear heels or uncomfortable clothing because you might have to walk a lot. Dress according to the weather and be appropriate.
Sipping The Wine
Learn the correct way to sip and taste the wine. The server will bring you different samples of wine to taste. It is a good idea to try new types of wine that you have never tasted before. You must hold the glass of wine by the stem to prevent altering the temperature of the wine and swirl it around to allow the wine to breathe. You may then proceed to sip the wine. You may take notes while trying different samples of wine, and feel free to ask your server or the host questions about the wine.
Some More Tips While Sipping Wine
- If you are using the same glass to try the different types of wine, make sure to rinse the glass in between trying the different types.
- Move from lighter-colored wine to darker colors, as this will increase the intensity and flavor of the wine.
- Smell the wine before drinking it and observe its clarity and hue as well
- Your teeth may turn towards the end of the event as wine tends to stain teeth, especially the darker and more intense ones. Do not worry. You will not be the only one with red teeth. Do not rush to brush your teeth after this happens, as toothpaste and wine are not the best combination for the enamel on the teeth and can have an erosive effect. Drink water and let the wine flush out of your mouth gradually before you attempt to brush your teeth.
Smell The Wine
A big part of the wine’s tasting experience is its aroma. You must smell the wine as you sip it to ge the full extent and flavor of the wine. The olfactory system works with the taste buds to enhance the wine-tasting experience. Take your time to sip and breathe in the aroma of the wine and do not rush it.
Stay Hydrated
Keep drinking water to prevent yourself from getting too dehydrated in between sampling wine. You will be sampling many glasses of wine; even though they are tiny sips, they can sometimes begin to make you feel nauseous and slightly tipsy
Nibble On Something
Do not come on an empty stomach or carry snacks with you. You may bring cheese, crackers, olives, fruits, or any other light snacks of your choice to nibble on before on in between your wine tastings. This is to prevent you from feeling nauseous and letting the wine get to your head too fast.
Spit It Out
It is perfectly okay to spit wine into a bucket if you don’t like the flavor or taste of it. Some people are also able to taste and experience the flavor of the wine without the need to swallow it. If you don’t want to drink the wine and are an expert and deciphering the flavor, you may also spit the wine out by letting it swish around in your mouth to get the full feel of its intensity, texture, flavor, and aroma. This allows you to continue sampling the wine without getting drunk.
Be Responsible While Sampling The Wine
Make sure not to overdrink the wine so that you don’t end up becoming too tipsy. The idea is to take small sips and sample different types. If you feel like you have had enough, you may want to stop and take a break. Be responsible while drinking at a wine tasting. It is meant to be a formal affair, and you should respect the ambiance and purpose of the event.
The Final Word
Wine-tasting events and tours are fun; everyone should try them once in their life. it is a good idea to go with a group of friends or even your partner and enjoy yourself. Remember, it is not a test and there is no right or wrong answer. You can select any wine you like in the end and it is upto you to choose which one is a winner.