10 Tasting Room Tips


photo credit : David Niddrie via Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

10 Helpful Tasting Room Hints
by Daenna Van Mulligen

Most people who attend wine tastings do so out of a desire to learn and to enjoy themselves.
In order to do so, here is a little bit of etiquette and 10 simple tips.

1. DON'T come on an empty stomach - even if you are spitting you'll get drunk (see #7)
2. DO come with a plan. Make a list of wines you would like to taste, the wineries you would really like to visit or the regions you want to discover. If you need help here is my very manageable, printable list
3. DON'T wear any kind of  fragrance. I know you've heard this before, but really...DON'T!
4. Engage! Ask questions. The principals are there for a reason. This is a good opportunity to learn. But don't monopolize the table or the principal - other people are waiting their turn.
5. DON'T be a douche. A little information can be a dangerous thing (especially when it's misinformation). Use your knowledge wisely if asking questions, but don't be afraid to ask questions to expand your knowledge.
Don't pretend or assume you know more than the gal tasting next to you, you may very well be wrong and ultimately, you'll look like an idiot. 
Being a douche also means - monopolizing the table (#4), not stepping back out of the way once you've got your sample pour (#6), you and your friends forming a wall around the table, standing in front of the spit bucket (#8) or taking a few laps around your perfume bottle (#3).
6. DO step away from the table. People are waiting behind you. If not, feel free to linger.
7. Spit. Purse your lips together and force the wine out of your mouth and into the spit bucket once you've swirled it around enough to get a good taste. Practice with water over the sink. Trust me, it will make your evening more enjoyable, you will learn more and you won't get too drunk.
8. Don't stand in front of the spit bucket if you can avoid it. Buddy behind you wants to use it.
9. DO take notes. Just a scratch or a star beside a wine you like, something to remember the ones you would like to taste again.
10. DO take a taxi home, or walk.

List compiled by Daenna Van Mulligen copyright WineScores.ca & WineDiva™. All rights reserved. Can not be duplicated or used without permission.