No one starts out as a wine expert. It takes determination, strength and grit. Well no, it isn’t really that difficult. Getting a great wine education can be easily done by experiencing the fun of wine tastings. After all, in the end it will not be the wines the experts say are good that you enjoy; it will be those that please your palate.

Make sure to eat a good meal before heading out to a wine tasting. Nothing too spicy, and definitely do not drink coffee right before drinking wine. It will affect your taste buds, and not in a positive way. Everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a “good” wine, so do not worry about having a right or wrong way of selecting those you want to try. While it may seem intimidating, remember that everyone’s palate is different. If you absolutely know you do not like a dry wine, bypass those selections no matter what anyone else is drinking. Do be sure to try something new in order to increase your wine education and possibly find a new favorite.

When sampling wine, hold the glass by the stem and not the bowl. Grasping the bowl will warm the wine which may alter the taste. Do not rinse between tastings, and make sure the glass is smaller at the top than the bottom so it can release the aroma of the wine. Fragrance is an important aspect of getting total enjoyment out of a wine tasting experience. Swirl your glass to release the bouquet, put your nose up to the wine and breathe in. You should get a very good idea of what went into that wine from the fragrance it imparts.

If the tasting is going to last for awhile, drink sips of water from a separate glass in between samples. To ensure you have the greatest experience possible, do not wear perfume the day of a wine tasting and do not chew gum while at a sampling. Come to Vino to for our free wine tasting events to expand your knowledge and your wine collection. Do not shop for wine before you try, and contact us for more information on our weekly wine tastings.