Wine Tasting Etiquette: What to Do (and Not Do)
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, wine tastings are such a fabulous experience. If it’s your first time, you might wonder about the “unwritten rules” of tasting room etiquette. From how to handle tasting pours to understanding when to ask questions, these wine tasting etiquette do’s and don’ts will help you make the most of the experience and enjoy it confidently.
Wine Tasting Etiquette: What to Do (and Not Do) at a Tasting
Do: Start with the Lightest Wines First
Wine tastings are often organized to progress from light to heavier wines—typically whites, then reds, and finally sweeter dessert wines. This order helps prevent stronger flavors from overwhelming more delicate ones and allows your palate to fully appreciate each type.
Tip: Most of the time, lighter wines mean sparkling or white wines. But that is not always the case! In certain places, like Burgundy France, the whites can be bolder than the reds, meaning you may start with a red instead.
Don’t: Wear Strong Perfumes or Colognes
This is a big rookie mistake when it comes to wine tasting etiquette. You can’t forget that wine tasting is an experience that engages your sense of smell just as much as your sense of taste. Strong perfumes or colognes can interfere with the aromas of the wine, not only for you but also for those around you.
Tip: Keep your fragrance minimal or skip it altogether to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of the wines you’re tasting.
Do: Hold the Glass by the Stem
When holding a wine glass, grip it by the stem, not the bowl. Holding the glass by the bowl can warm the wine, especially with white wines and sparklings that are best served chilled. Plus, holding the stem gives you a clearer view of the wine’s color and clarity.
Tip: Swirling is easier with a stem grip and allows you to release the wine’s aroma more effectively.
Don’t: Feel Pressured to Finish Every Pour
In most tastings, you’ll be served small pours, but if you’re trying several wines, those sips can add up quickly. There’s no expectation to finish every glass, so feel free to pour out any wine you don’t wish to finish into the provided spittoon or dump bucket. This helps keep your senses fresh and prevents you from becoming tipsy too soon.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to spit or pour out; even professional tasters do this to stay clear-headed.
Do: Ask Questions and Engage with the Host
Wine tasting is a learning experience, and tasting room hosts love to share their knowledge. If you’re curious about the wine’s origin, the grape variety, or how it’s made, feel free to ask questions. Engaging with the host or winemaker can enhance your experience and help you understand each wine more deeply.
Tip: A few questions can make the experience richer, especially if the winery has unique production methods or a special history.
Don’t: Drink the Wine Too Quickly
A key to wine tasting etiquette is to slow down and take time to observe each wine’s color, aroma, and taste. Swirl the wine gently in your glass to release its aromas, take a sniff, and then taste it, noticing how the flavors evolve on your palate. The goal is to savor and explore each pour, not to rush through.
Tip: Try to pick out specific notes in each wine, such as fruits, spices, or earthy elements—this helps build your tasting skills and enhances the experience.
Do: Use Your Senses
Wine tasting is about engaging all your senses. When tasting, start by observing the color and clarity of the wine, then move on to its aroma, taking a deep sniff to see what you can detect. When you finally taste the wine, notice its texture, body, flavors, and finish.
Tip: Close your eyes and focus on the aromas and flavors to help isolate them—it’s amazing what you can pick up!
Don’t: Haggle Over Prices
You may not think this is a part of wine tasting etiquette, but it is! Most tasting rooms will have wines for sale, and function like any store in the mall. There will be prices listed, and those are set.
Tip: Some wineries offer discounts for members of their wine club, a great incentive if you fall in love with their wine!
Do: Be Mindful of Other Tasters
If the tasting room is busy, be mindful of others who also want to sample and learn. Give people space at the tasting bar, and try not to monopolize the host’s attention. If you’d like more time with the host, consider visiting during off-peak hours or scheduling a private tasting.
Tip: A quick call ahead to inquire about the best time to visit can make for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Don’t: Assume Every Tasting is Free
Tastings at wineries usually come at a cost. They are offering you a taste of their incredible work, and a small fee offsets costs, especially if they are smaller or boutique producers. Sometimes wineries will waive the tasting fee if you make a purchase, so it’s worth asking about their policy if you’re planning to buy.
Tip: Always check the winery’s website or call ahead for their tasting fee policy so you know what to expect.
Do: Have Fun and Try New Things
While it’s good to have favorites, a tasting is a chance to explore new wines you might not choose on your own. Approach each wine with an open mind, as tasting something new can surprise you and expand your wine knowledge.
Tip: Challenge yourself to taste at least one wine outside your comfort zone—it’s a great way to find unexpected favorites
Learning wine tasting etiquette isn’t as hard as you think. With a little bit of time and an open mind, you can make the most of your time in the tasting room and maybe even find a new favorite wine of your own – maybe inspiring a wine tasting at home!
