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RSS FeedLet There Be Wine... |
Posted at Helpful Tips by Marty Bautista
Jan. 28, 2008
Let There Be Wine…
Wine tasting has been a passion of mine for over 20 years. Living so close to Napa Valley has exposed my palette to some exceptional wines and many good times. A favorite pastime of mine is to go “Wine Tasting”. This often romantically motivated event can be quite the day as well as assisting to enhance my private wine collection. Wine tasting can be intimidating but if you know the basics of wine etiquette you will be able to mingle with the pros.
· Plan your day. When you decide to venture out to wine country, plan where you would like to stop. I usually plan 3 for sure stops and then have 6-8 additional places with in the vicinity. For Napa Valley my main three are, Trefethen, Silver Oak and Chandon. There are several other places I recommend as well, depending on that you are looking for. Contact me.
· Upon entering the tasting room, look for a place at the tasting bar. A Pourer will greet you and explain what they are pouring for that day. I usually inquire if they have a reserve tasting. Most wineries will charge a nominal fee and some actually let you keep the wine glass.
· Typically wines are poured whites first then reds and finishing up with dessert wines. There is always a container of some kind to “spit” or pour out wine and most places have water readily available to help cleanse your palette. Some places will offer chocolates or truffles to pair with their deep reds.
· Upon receiving wine in your glass, first gently swirl it in your glass and then inhale a deep smell exhaling through your mouth. Notice the bouquet and nuances of the aromas. Second, take a sip of the wine letting it settle on your tongue briefly. Gently inhale then swallow and exhale through your nose. Is it pleasing? What do you taste? How does it make you feel? Some of the more bolder wines I will taste three times or more to truly understand the complexities.
· It is perfectly acceptable not to try all of the wines on the winery's tasting list. Often I go straight for the reds. It is also acceptable to spit the wine and or pour your glass into the container provided. Ask your server what they recommend. Many of the people working at the wineries will have incredible stories to tell you.
· Plan for food stops. There are some wonderful delis and restaurants near or at the wineries. Most will compliment the wine tasting experience. Several wineries have picnic areas but request that you only open their wines while using their facilities.
The Dont's of wine tasting:
· Don’t Drink and Drive! Limo excursions are my favorite way to travel.
· If you have negative comments about a wine, keep them to yourself in the tasting room. Move on to the next.
· Avoid wearing strong smelling perfumes or colognes.
· Don’t drink from the “spit” container.
· Don’t eat a lot of the sodium crackers at the winery. You will become ill. Go eat some proper food.
· Do not be disrespectful to anyone working at the wineries. They will black list you.
Wine tasting can be a fun and rewarding experience. Every time I go I find or learn something new. I have met several good and fun people while wine tasting. My favorite annual event in Napa Valley is the Silver Oak Napa Valley Release Day. I have gone to this event almost every year for the past 12 years. I was quoted in the Napa Register as saying, “This is the Debutante’s Ball of Napa!” People come from around the country and around the world just for this event. I will be there and look forward to seeing you. It will be held on February 2nd. For more information go to their website at www.silveroak.com.
1. RE: Let There Be Wine...
Ill have to second that notion on your favorite wine...Silver Oak is amazing! (Ill skip the Alexander Valley and go right to the Napa grapes!)
-S