Wine-tasting tours are a delightful way to explore the world of wine, immerse yourself in different wine regions, and gain insights into the history and culture of winemaking. To make the most of your wine-tasting tour, here are some valuable tips.
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Have a plan
Check the hours for the wineries you want to visit and map it out. Visiting the vineyards is obviously spaced out. You need a plan, but leave room for spontaneity too.
Limit the number of wineries
Avoid overloading your day with winery visits. Trying to visit too many in one day can lead to excessive drinking. Those 1-2 ounce pours add up quickly.
Check the Hours
Check with the wineries you plan to visit to ensure the hours work with your schedule. Off-season hours can differ at some wineries.
Attire for Wine-Tasting
Dress appropriately for wine tasting in a vineyard. Leave graphic tees at home and opt for comfortable, wine-country-appropriate attire.
Best Time of the Day for Wine-Tasting
Visit earlier in the day. During high season the tasting rooms can become quite busy afternoon. The sommelier/staff will have more time to discuss the wines with you in the morning.
The high season is from late August to mid-October.
Pace yourself in Wine country!
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water between tastings and enjoy the excellent restaurants near wineries.
Wine-Tasting
Swallow. Unless you are visiting a lot of tasting rooms then you want to spit. (It’s also ok to dump the wines you do not like)
Ask questions!
Take advantage of the knowledge of the winery staff; they’re experts on the wines you’re tasting.
Don’t flex too much wine knowledge.
Avoid flaunting your wine knowledge; instead, listen, learn, and savor the experience.
Did we mention pacing yourself? We are going to say it again. Pace yourself!
Explore wines!
This is the time to stray from your typical wine choices. Step out of your comfort zone and try different wine varieties. However, if an area is known for a specific type, explore how each winery interprets it.
Re-tasting Wine
Many wineries will allow you to retaste the wines you are considering purchasing.
Plan Your Transportation
Ensure a safe ride home by designating a driver, using Uber or Lyft, or arranging a hosted tour.
Ask if the wines are available in stores or only in the tasting room. You will often get your tasting for free with purchase (3 bottles seem to be the norm). Make sure you ask how to get the wines you love. Sometimes you will find varieties only available at the vineyard.
Most of all have fun and be safe! Unfortunately, the roads in wine country can get a little dicey. Ensure your designated driver stays alert.
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