Wine Tasting Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for a Great Tasting Experience
Wine tasting is a fun way to explore new flavors, deepen your appreciation, and learn more about wine. However, knowing the proper etiquette can make your experience more enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether you’re at a formal tasting or a casual event, following these do’s and don’ts will help you make the most of it.
Do’s of Wine Tasting
- Do Hold the Glass by the Stem: Holding the glass by the bowl can warm up the wine and obscure the view with fingerprints. Instead, hold it by the stem to maintain the right temperature and get a clear look at the wine.
- Do Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the host or sommelier about the wine’s origin, tasting notes, or food pairings. It’s a great way to learn and engage with others at the tasting.
- Do Spit or Pour Out if Necessary: If you’re tasting multiple wines, don’t feel pressured to finish every glass. Use the provided spit bucket or dump the remainder to keep your senses sharp.
- Do Cleanse Your Palate Between Tastings: Use plain bread, crackers, or water to neutralize your taste buds between wines. This helps prevent lingering flavors from affecting your perception of the next wine.
- Do Respect Other Guests’ Space: Wine tastings can get crowded, so be mindful of others around you. Give people space to swirl, smell, and sip without bumping into them.
Don’ts of Wine Tasting
- Don’t Wear Strong Fragrances: Perfumes and colognes can overpower the subtle aromas of wine, making it difficult for you and others to fully appreciate the bouquet. Keep scents to a minimum.
- Don’t Criticize Others’ Preferences: Wine tasting is subjective, and everyone’s palate is different. Avoid making negative comments if someone likes a wine that you don’t.
- Don’t Chug the Wine: Wine tastings are about savoring and analyzing, not getting drunk. Sip slowly and focus on the flavors and textures.
- Don’t Overfill Your Glass: Typically, a pour should be no more than 1-2 ounces. Overfilling can make it difficult to swirl and properly evaluate the wine.
- Don’t Talk Over the Host: If a winemaker or sommelier is presenting, show respect by listening and saving your questions or comments for when they’re finished.
By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll ensure that your wine tasting experience is enjoyable, educational, and memorable for both yourself and those around you.
