Tour Vin – Wine Tasting Tips

Published on: January 27th, 2015

There are many options when it comes to choosing a favorite wine, dining establishment or hotel/B&B. In this blog, we will cover a few wine tasting tips that will enhance your wine experience while travelling through the Napa Valley or at home! Here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

1. Taste as many different wines as possible. Wine making techniques differ from vintner to vintner, so if you don’t like a particular varietal at one winery, give it a try at another. Remember, all Cabernet does not taste the same!
2. Some wines are better with food while some can be enjoyed without food. Give your wine a chance and try both options.
3. Judge your wine after the second or third taste. Your tasting experience can vary depending on what you just ate or drank.
4. Never wash out your glass with water between tastings. Rinse your glass with a small amount of the wine you are about to taste next (swirl in glass, pour it out, then pour your wine).
5. Our tastes change over time. If you didn’t particularly care for a wine varietal last year, try it again this year. It’s fun to compare and contrast!
6. Try a blind tasting at your next party. Cover the bottles with brown bags, take notes and discuss what everyone liked or didn’t like. You may be surprised to see what you’ve chosen!

Remember that when visiting the Napa Valley on your next vacation, it’s the place to experiment and enjoy new approaches to wine tasting. Enjoy and have fun!