Tasting Room Etiquette
Wine tasting can be both inviting and intimidating. Following a few simple rules of good old fashioned etiquette can make the difference between a good experience and a mediocre experience.
- Take along a cooler or styrofoam shipper for wine you might purchase. You don't want the wines to "cook" in your car.
- Don't smell stronger than the wine. Refrain from using heavy colognes/perfumes.
- Don't smoke immediately before tasting the wine. This will inhibit your ability to taste the wine.
- Put your cell phone on vibrate and go outside if you have to talk.
- Be polite. Remember that you are a guest in their "home"! They are proud of their wines and want honest feedback, but be kind. If you don't like the wine, quietly empty your glass in the dump bucket. If you do like the wine, let them know.
- Understand that it is both time consuming and expensive to provide wine tasting. Although not required, it is always nice to purchase a bottle or two once you have finished tasting.
- Ask questions. There are no stupid questions. Tasting room folks are always interested in educating their visitors. However, if you are with a group and rather talk to them, they will usually stay out or your way.
- Take notes. This will help you remember what you have tasted and also signals that you are serious about wine tasting. Often this will get you a bit more personalized treatment and, sometimes a few wines to taste that are not on the schedule for the day.
- Use the dump bucket. Especially if you are driving, the dump bucket is your friend. Also, don't be afraid to dump the wine once you have tasted it, your pourer will not be offended and will recognize your empty glass as a signal to pour the next taste.
- Although professional wine judges "spit" please ask for a paper cup to spit into if you must. Don't spit into the dump bucket. Most visitors to Tasting Rooms find this very offensive!
- Use your Inside Voice at all times. Remember that the tasting room is not a bar at Happy Hour!
- If the bar is crowded, get your taste and retreat to a less crowded part of the room to discuss/taste the wine.
- The food offered during tasting is not your lunch! It is there to cleanse your palate. Don't abuse it.
- If you have a picnic outside a winery, don't drink wine from a different winery with your picnic.
- Don't get wasted! Nobody finds it as amusing as you do.
- Don't roll into the tasting room five minutes before they close -- that's not enough time to taste anything.
- If you received special service, a letter or email to the winery owner or manager is always a good way to show your own appreciation.
- Last, but not least, have fun! Wine tasting should be an entertaining and educational outing with a specific goal: find new wines, try them, and buy them. You are the customer, so you should be well treated. But you are also a guest, so use your manners, ask lots of questions, and taste responsibly!