If you have never attended a wine tasting in Texas, you might have questions about what you should do and what you should avoid once you show up. For newcomers, knowing what is expected of you can be challenging. The good news is that we can offer you some insight into the proper etiquette to keep in mind when you visit your first winery for a tasting.
Making a Reservation
Many wineries are open to the public every day, but that varies by location. You should always call or visit the winery website to be sure of when you can stop by. If you are visiting in a group, this is especially important as there may not always be room for larger groups of people. If the winery offers tours, there are typically reservations for these things. Make sure you call ahead of time to reserve a private tasting or tour.
Preparing for the Wine Tasting
The best type of clothing to wear to a tasting will be casual but elegant, although this can vary by winery. You want to have clothing appropriate for the weather, especially if you will be doing anything outdoors. It’s also best to avoid cologne and perfumes in a winery as these scents can make it harder to taste the nuances of flavor in each wine. You can expect that a winery will be a relaxed environment and that’s what you should prepare for.
The Actual Tasting Process
Wine tasting in Texas is a fun activity so don’t feel like you have to play attention to specific technique if you don’t want to. If you want to get the most of the wine you taste, swirling the wine is a great way to do so. Put the glass on a flat surface, grasp the stem, and swirl. When tasting, inhale the aroma and then sip. Swirl the wine around so it coats your entire mouth to get all the flavors and texture sensations.
Pacing Yourself
Most people don’t talk about how important pacing is with wine tasting, but it is crucial. You want to moderate the amount you drink by visiting only three or four wineries in one visit. In between visits, take part in other activities and meals to add more to the day than just drinking wine.
At Bell Springs Winery, we offer small production wines in an environment you will love. You can learn more about our tastings by visiting us at www.bellspringswinery.com
