WINE TASTING ETIQUETTE
THINGS TO AVOID
THINGS TO DO
If you are planning to go to a wine tasting, here's a list of things you should avoid and things you should do. Knowing how to behave when tasting wines in public will help you and the people around you have a better tasting experience.
Things to avoid
1. Avoid wearing a fragrance
The sensitive aromas of the wine are an important part in the tasting process. Wearing perfume, aftershave or other cosmetics with strong fragrances will interfere with the aromas and even with the flavours of the wine.
2. Avoid drinking too much
Wine tasting is supposed to be fun so it’s perfectly fine to drink a bit. Having a good time is an important factor of these social events. However, especially if you’re new to the world of wine, it's always good to be careful not to drink more than you can handle.
3. Avoid holding the glass by the bowl
Always hold your glass by the stem. Holding it by the bowl will impact the temperature of the wine and your ability to taste it. Also, the fingerprints on the glass are not that pretty.
4. Avoid saying your opinion out loud, except when encouraged to do so
Sharing your opinion is generally ok. However, your opinion should be given at the end of the tasting. Describing outloud a wine while tasting it will influence the experience of other tasters in the room. So, it is far more elegant to take notes while tasting and exchange opinions with the others at the end of the tasting. Also, negative comments might ruin the experience of other tasters so be sure to make them in an elegant manner if you choose to do so.
5. Avoid talking loudly
Having conversations on a decent tone is perfectly fine. However, speaking too loudly might impact negatively the experience of others.
The sensitive aromas of the wine are an important part in the tasting process. Wearing perfume, aftershave or other cosmetics with strong fragrances will interfere with the aromas and even with the flavours of the wine.
2. Avoid drinking too much
Wine tasting is supposed to be fun so it’s perfectly fine to drink a bit. Having a good time is an important factor of these social events. However, especially if you’re new to the world of wine, it's always good to be careful not to drink more than you can handle.
3. Avoid holding the glass by the bowl
Always hold your glass by the stem. Holding it by the bowl will impact the temperature of the wine and your ability to taste it. Also, the fingerprints on the glass are not that pretty.
4. Avoid saying your opinion out loud, except when encouraged to do so
Sharing your opinion is generally ok. However, your opinion should be given at the end of the tasting. Describing outloud a wine while tasting it will influence the experience of other tasters in the room. So, it is far more elegant to take notes while tasting and exchange opinions with the others at the end of the tasting. Also, negative comments might ruin the experience of other tasters so be sure to make them in an elegant manner if you choose to do so.
5. Avoid talking loudly
Having conversations on a decent tone is perfectly fine. However, speaking too loudly might impact negatively the experience of others.
Things to do
1. Have an open mind
Try having an open mind when tasting and don't ignore the wines you usually don't, or think that you don't like. Sometimes you're in for major surprises so being totally open to new experiences might be very beneficial.
2. Cleanse your palate
Even if you are not thirsty, it’s always a good idea to take a sip of water after each wine you tasted. This will cleanse your palate and prepare it to welcome the next wine.
3. Look! Smell! Taste!
The tasting process has 3 very important steps and you should not forget about any of them. Step 1 is to look at the wine. You'll get tons of information from it's color, clarity or viscosity. Step 2 is to smell the wine and discover it's aromas. Step 3 is to finally taste the wine and savor it. If there is an instructor at the tasting event, he or she will usually explain the tasting process.
4. Ask questions
Asking questions shows that you are interested in what is happening and can also help you learn something new. So never be afraid to ask any kind of question. Asking questions is one of the best ways to enrich not only your experience but also the experience of those around you.
Try having an open mind when tasting and don't ignore the wines you usually don't, or think that you don't like. Sometimes you're in for major surprises so being totally open to new experiences might be very beneficial.
2. Cleanse your palate
Even if you are not thirsty, it’s always a good idea to take a sip of water after each wine you tasted. This will cleanse your palate and prepare it to welcome the next wine.
3. Look! Smell! Taste!
The tasting process has 3 very important steps and you should not forget about any of them. Step 1 is to look at the wine. You'll get tons of information from it's color, clarity or viscosity. Step 2 is to smell the wine and discover it's aromas. Step 3 is to finally taste the wine and savor it. If there is an instructor at the tasting event, he or she will usually explain the tasting process.
4. Ask questions
Asking questions shows that you are interested in what is happening and can also help you learn something new. So never be afraid to ask any kind of question. Asking questions is one of the best ways to enrich not only your experience but also the experience of those around you.
