Sip, Snack, and Schmooze: A Wine-Tasting Primer
Wine tastings can be such a fun experience. They combine social, educational, and sensory elements – no wonder wine-tasting events are so popular these days.
If you’ve never been to a wine tasting – and even if you have – here are some quick tips to make your experience more enjoyable.
Prepare for your best pairing!
Before You Go
Dress comfortably but be sure to wear an outfit without fluttery, dangling sleeves (like Jerry’s pirate shirt in that Seinfeld episode) that’ll get dunked into a glass or two or end up having direct contact with the cheese plate. White isn’t the best choice when surrounded by red wines, even if you’re careful…you never know when a tipped glass will grace the table. And lastly, don’t wear perfume or cologne; you don’t want to bring in fragrances that’ll interfere with the subtle aromas of the wines.
Bring a pad and pen so you can take notes while you’re there. You think you’ll remember everything you learned and what you liked and didn’t like, but after your third or fourth glass, don’t count on it.
You can cry over spilled wine!
While You’re There
You’ll be presented with various wines and discuss the prominent and subtle flavors that come into play. You’ll learn about wine regions, wineries, and grape varieties. Additionally, you’ll expand your wine vocabulary and learn how to savor and enjoy wine when you venture out on your own. You’ll also be able to learn from other wine enthusiasts who love to share their knowledge and experiences.
Do you have to spit? Traditionally, wine tasters realized that after swallowing each wine they tasted, their senses were not as sharp when they got to the end of the line, so spitting became the norm. It’s hard for many to overcome this because...well…you know…it’s pretty rude to spit in public. But it’s okay at a wine tasting. You’ll have a bowl, a cup, or an empty ice bucket, so it’s not like everyone is just spitting on the floor or turning it into your childhood watermelon seed-spitting contest. Some wine tastings offer just a few wines, so it’ll be okay if you don’t spit them out. But, if you have several offerings and don’t want to spit after each sip, be sure to eat well before the event, and have a designated driver.
After the Tasting
You’ll leave the wine-tasting event having discovered new wines you never knew about and broader knowledge about your favorites. You’ll feel more confident about the questions to ask when ordering wine in a restaurant and engage in meaningful conversations with the waiter or sommelier. Overall, you will have had fun, learned a lot, and enjoyed a delicious variety of wines.
Look for wine tastings sponsored by your local wine stores, and visit wineries for an immersive experience. Boston Winery offers wine tastings and monthly wine and food pairings that people rave about. Come and join us!
