Archive Sept 14, 2007

Tips for Perfect Sips

One of the best ways to learn about wines is to jump right in and get out there. A great way to do that is to visit different wineries and sample their wines. Although it can be intimidating, with some helpful hints you'll be sipping like a pro in no time. Here's what you do when you visit a winery:

• Step up to the counter without fear. Inquire about their wine tasting policies. Some wineries charge for tasting and others offer it free of charge. They want you to sample theirs wines hoping you will buy some.
• Ask for some information on what you're tasting. Usually they have brochures or signs with tasting notes and prices. It helps to see what you should be smelling and tasting. This is great practice.
• Swirl your glass, hold it up to the light and look at the coloring. One way to describe different wines is by the different colors.
• Swirl again, stick your nose right in there. Take a big whiff (do NOT inhale the wine into your nose, very painful and you will look like a dork). Sniff several times and see what it smells like to you. If it doesn't match the tasting notes, it's ok. Everyone has different noses.
• Take a sip. Let it linger in your mouth and on the front and back of your tongue. Then take another sip. The second sip is the most important because the first sip tends to cleanse your palate. Again, see what you taste.
• Usually there are crackers at the counter. Don't be afraid to grab some to cleanse your palate between samples so you can taste the differences in the wines. Usually you'll taste around 6 different wines and that's a lot for your little mouth to take.
• Most important-don't be afraid to ask the wine pourer questions. They are there to help and educate. They are not there to judge or laugh at you, at least not to your face.
• If you like the wines, buy some. And if you don't, nicely thank the person and head to the next winery.

That's all there is to it. It's not so scary when you have some guidelines to help. So get our there and get tasting! It's for educational purposes after all.

Cheers!

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