6 Wine Tasting Tips from the Tasting Room

Wine tasting can seem intimidating, but with these 6 tips from a tasting room host, you'll get the most out of your experience.

Try new things, and give wines a second chance.

If there is a wine on the list you've never tasted before, try it! You might LOVE it. On the other hand, if there is a wine on the list that you have tried before and disliked other places, give it another shot. No two wines - even of the same varietal - will be the same.

Drink, spit, or dump!

There's no wrong way to do it.

Use the tasting crackers as a cleanser, not a snack.

Tasting crackers are there to cleanse your palate between wines. If you're hungry, some tasting rooms offer either small plates or full on lunch. Pianetta Winery offers cheese pairings- see the menu here. Check out Cass Winery's lunch menu here.

Ask questions.

In the Pianetta tasting room, we hear it all. From "What's the residual sugar of this wine?" to "What's in wine?" (Grapes, wine is just grapes). Tasting room hosts love sharing about the winery, the wines, or just about anything!

If you can't decide, revisit.

You are welcome to "re-taste" any wines poured for you on the list if you are having trouble deciding what to purchase. Just ask!

Buy wine, or don't.

If none of the wines are your style, don't feel obligated to purchase, but don't forget to tip. Tips go a long way for your friends behind the bar. It's a great way to say "Thank You" for the great service you received.