Tasting Room Ettiquette

Intimidated about visiting a tasting room because you are unsure about proper wine tasting ettiquette? 

First of all, stop worrying.  There's a lot of unecesarry snobbery in the wine world, and most of the people who are uber-snobs are just trying to show off because they feel insecure in other areas of their lives (take that "wineaus!").  On the other hand, there are certain ettiquettes that you should follow when wine tasting, simply out of courtesy for those around you.

• Don't ever, ever, ever, ever pour your own wine in a tasting room.  It is extremely rude to do so, and you'll probably get thrown out.
• Don't chew gum while tasting.  It's not rude, but it is really silly because you won't be able to taste anything but gum while you are tasting.
• Don't feel that you have to finish a wine you don't care for.  On the same note, don't say something rude like "yuck," or "that's a bad wine."  Instead, rephrase to "I don't care for that wine," "I liked the other one better," or "That's not my type of wine."
• Don't ask the pourer for bigger tastes.  They pour a certain amount for a reason and they will think you're rude or an alcoholic if you ask for more.
• If you want to revisit a wine to affirm that you do like it and want to buy it, it is perfectly acceptable in most places to ask to revisit it if you do so politely.  Same goes for tasting a wine that is not included in the tasting you purchased.  Remember, asking for more wine is asking for a favor, and should not be voiced as a demand.

A trick to looking less like a tasting room novice:

Don't mention the movie Sideways.  We all love the movie, but the world of wine extends way beyond that movie.

My Favorite Wineries

In Russian River Valley/ Dry Creek...

Armida

I love how young, hip and funky this winery is.  But they don't rest on their edge: I love almost every wine that I try there.  In fact, you can't even really see their edge until you walk in: they have a pretty building, lovely view, and nice picnic area around a pond and they look like many other wineries in the area.  But walk inside and you may hear a punk version of the Fraggle Rock theme song playing.  you'll definitely see many skull and crossbones: their signature Zinfandel "Poizin" demands such graphics.

In Carneros...

Artesa

 Ok, I am biased.  But ther first time I walked into this winery, I marveled about how I had never seen anything like it before in my entire life.  Still haven't.  Between the yummy wines, amazing view, edgy art, and delightful company, I highly reccomend Artesa to anyone looking for a beautiful wine country experience.   

and Ceja

You say Ceja and anyone who has been there says "Oh, Amelia!" as if the owner were an old friend.  In fact, Ceja is one of the most welcoming wineries I have ever visited.  It is family run, and I feel like I am walking through their backyard and into their kitchen when I visit.  I'm sure it helps that their doggie lays around, watching people taste all day.   

In Sonoma...

Imagery

I love imagery for many reasons, one of which is that I have not tasted a single wine there that I did not like.  I love the unique labels on the bottles (each bottle has a special artpiece designed especially for it).  I love the ethereal art on display, I love the friendly people behind the bar, and I love the gardens outside.  I would join their wine club someday.

The 5 "S's" of Wine Tasting

If you're looking for guidence through your first wine tasting, just  remember the 5 "S's"

• Sight.  Look at the color of the wine.  The lighter the color, the lighter the wine will taste.
• Swirl.  Swirl the wine in your glass.  In red wines this opens up the tannins, and in all wines this brings the aromas up into the tip of the glass.
• Sniff.  Sniff the wine while the aromas are still in the tip of the glass.  Describe what you smell.
• Sip and Slurp.  Sip the wine and slurp it sround your mouth so it touches alll of your taste buds.  Notice the flavors you taste.
• Savor.  Enjoy the wine!