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Going to a wine-tasting event is an exciting occasion for someone who loves wine. But if this is your first wine-tasting event, you must feel nervous and overwhelmed. Also, you might have many questions, like:
- Can wine tasting make you drunk?
- How many wines will be there?
- What should I wear to a wine tasting?
- Should you eat before or after tasting wine?
Well, slow down! These questions are correct, and you must have more, and this blog discusses these and more. The blog will guide you through novice wine tasters enjoying the events, while this blog is also ideal for any wine taster who wants to make their experience even better. So, stay tuned and get the best insider tips from experts to have an incredible wine-tasting experience.
What is wine tasting?
A wine tasting is an event where you not only taste the wine but also judge and examine it critically. Wine tasting is about exploring new wine types and sampling the variety the vineyard has to offer. For instance, if you go with Waiheke Island Wine Tours, you will explore multiple vineyards and judge the wine they produce. The best part about wine tasting is expanding your palate without committing to an entire bottle of wine. Every wine-tasting event is different; there are food pairings to try, an explanation of the wine you are tasting, and more. Thus, it makes the event a memorable experience.
Tips for wine tasting for a memorable experience
Go from light to heavy.
This means starting with the white wines and then moving on to the red wines. When you finish the full-bodied wines later, it has the best effect. Starting with a heavy glass of wine will initially overwhelm your palate for white wines. So, start with white wines; it warms up your tongue, then move on to other full-bodied wines.
Dress correctly for the event.
A wine tasting is a big event. So, you should dress correctly for it. That means wearing dark colours, as it will help you avoid pills. Also, do not wear dangling sleeves because they can cause spills. The venue might have a dress code; know it, and if it doesn’t, wear something fancy but comfortable. Ensure you carry a purse to stash your notebook and phone if you carry them or have a pocket.
Plan your trip.
If you plan to visit multiple wine tours, know the route. They should be close to each other to ensure you can go to every vineyard easily. Moreover, every wine tasting can last for 30 minutes to an hour. Knowing the timing before you go to the vineyard for a tasting is helpful.
Say no to fragrances.
Dressing up means putting on perfume or cologne. But you mustn’t wear perfume, cologne, or smoke in the vineyard. Why? A massive part of wine tasting is smelling the wine and deciphering its aromas or scents. If you smoke there or wear perfume, the scents will mix. These unwanted aromas can cause you to miss out on the nuances of the wine you are tasting. You do not want that!
Have a designated driver and make reservations.
Touring multiple vineyards in a day, make reservations in advance. Sure, they hire walk-ins, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Also, hire a limo or Uber home after the wine tasting, as you can get a bit drunk. So, be safe and have a designated sober driver.
You can be sober at wine tastings, too.
Yes, you can be your designated driver at the wine-tasting event. How? Every wine-tasting organiser will give you a metal bucket or personal bucket to spit the wine after tasting it. Yes, it is perfectly fine; most expert wine tasters follow this. It lets you taste every wine perfectly without getting drunk and falling flat on your face.
Follow the 3-step wine-tasting method.
Step 1: Look
Look straight into the glass to sense its colour and density. Next, hold it towards the light to see how clear the wine is. You will learn all this as you go to more events. Now, swirl the wine to oxygenate and make it flavorful and fragrant.
Step 2: Sniff
It’s time to sniff the wine, and for this, you should lower your nose to the glass’s rim and inhale deeply. It will help you determine the different notes.
Step 3: Taste
Take a small sip and slurp the wine. Roll the wine around your tongue to taste the flavours.
Conclusion
To conclude, dress up for the occasion, take a small sip, and swirl it in your mouth to distinguish the flavours. You can spit the wine, which helps you keep your palette clean to taste more wine. Lastly, do not forget to have fun! That is the most important thing when you are going wine tasting.
