One of life’s great pleasures for us winos is working our way through a progressive flight of wines. You could organize your own event with friends or attend a wine dinner sponsored by a local restaurant. However, the very best way to do this is a winery tour.
There are over 6,000 wineries in the United States. I believe just about every state has at least one. Since wine is an agricultural product requiring certain growing conditions, wineries tend to be conveniently clustered together – think Napa Valley. This allows you to make a day of it and sample the wares of several labels. To get the most of your experience, here are a few tips.
1. The enjoyment of wine involves all of your senses, including smell. Do not confuse your nose by wearing any sort of cologne.
2. Do not start tasting your wine if you are very hungry. Several hours before enjoy a hearty, but neutrally seasoned meal. Again, we do not want to confuse your tastebuds and a full tummy allows you to drink more wine without getting tipsy.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink lots of water between wines and wineries. It cleanses your palate and also minimizes the effects of the alcohol.
4. Follow the progression. Wines are offered from lightest to heaviest for a reason. If you drink your favorite Cab first, your tastebuds will be too overwhelmed to appreciate the nuances of a light, dry white.
5. If the point of the exercise is the wine alone – watch what you eat. A soda cracker is OK, but the usual offering of cheese is going to get in the way of the pure experience of the wine.
6. TRY THEM ALL! Everyone has their favorites, but there is always room for another one. You just never know unless you are open to new taste adventures.
Just about every winery has made arrangements for you to taste their wine. Why not – they want you to go forth and spread the word on their delicious product. So take advantage of their generosity every chance you get.
Cheers!
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This is such a wonderful site and great timing for the wine tasting tips! We are trying to take my parents to Napa/Sonoma for a weekend in October as an anniversary present. They also believe in the philosophy that you don’t have to pay a lot for a great bottle of vino. You also have a wonderful writing style – I seem to recognize the sharp wit!
I have added this site as a favorite on my home PC and have passed the link along to others who I know will enjoy. Well done!!