Taking vineyard tours is one of the best ways to learn about wine and winemaking, such as Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine tasting is one part of learning about wine and knowing how to taste it. These tips will make your wine tasting experience easier and more enjoyable.
- Know What to Expect During a Tasting
Tastings are meant to be fun and educational. If a winery, vineyard, or tasting room is genuinely dedicated to wine education, they will have a guide running the event.
Experiences vary from winery to winery, and tour location changes tasting events, but generally, these are the events you can expect. A wine-tasting experience includes a brief history of the valley, how to smell and taste wines, notes on varietals, and a wine-food pairing session. Tastings focus more on the varietals of the wines and less on the growing environment and history of winemaking.
- Taste the Wine
Your senses react differently depending on your surroundings. The average person can taste wine colored red, but if it is presented in a glass with a transparent color, they might not be able to tell the difference because they are focusing on what they see instead of what they taste. This can cause tasters to make assumptions about the wine without actually sampling it. It is essential to take the wine in with all of your senses.
The first thing one will notice when tasting a wine is its color. The intensity of wine’s color can change how it is perceived. For example, a lighter color Pinot Noir would appear more delicate and fruity. In contrast, a darker Pinot Noir would appear more intense and earthy due to the different hues and saturation.
- Choose the Wine Area You Want to Visit
People are often happy to take you on a tour of their vineyard or tasting room, but don’t forget to go a little off the main path. This will give you many different vantage points from which to observe.
During a taster’s tour, they can see the whole valley and vineyards with varying varieties of trees and elevation. These change the type of grapes grown and shape each mixture into unique winemaking styles.
Tasters also have an opportunity to learn about some critical skills in the vineyard, such as pruning or pest control. The New York Times reports that future winemakers are also encouraged to see how the wine is made affects the grapes. This is where you can observe a large variety of growing techniques.
- Pace Yourself
Tasting rooms are all about relaxing and having fun, so don’t rush yourself. Take time between wines to smell the bouquet and have a bit of chit-chat with the staff. It helps to time your tasting, so you have room to breathe and enjoy yourself without getting inebriated.
Suppose you like a particular wine. Take a second to signify it with a point, so it is known to the staff. Wine tasting experience can include a lot of wine, and the more experienced tasters can only sample one variety of wine at a time. If you are unfamiliar with the varietals being served, it is best to stick with one type of wine instead of constant sampling.
- Take Notes on Your Favorite Wines
After a tasting, if you have time and the wine is available, purchase what you like. There might be something about a wine you overlook at first sip, so taking notes on what your favorite wines are can help you remember why they were your favorites. The tasting room sells bottles of wine, so if you missed out during their tour, they might still have it available. In addition, tasting rooms are also a place to buy wine of the vintage you tasted.
- Don’t Visit More Than Two or Three Wineries a Day
When visiting wineries, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Take your time when tasting the wines, and take breaks between vineyards. This gives you a chance to rest between tastings and determine how you want the day to run.
It would be best if you spent enough time at each vineyard to analyze the differences in their winemaking techniques and the wines they produce. It should be an educational experience and a fun getaway with your friends.
Wine tasting is a fun way to learn about wine. By knowing what to expect, you will be able to ensure that your experience can be educational and fun. Wine tasting is all about taking your time and savoring the flavors of each wine.
