Planning a trip to Wine Country? Before you get settled in at the tasting bar and are swirling that perfect glass of Syrah ready to taste the bursts of cherry, cinammon, clove and plum, here are a few tips to help your wine tasting experience go smoothly and take it to the next level.
1. A Driver – not just because you’ll be drinking. Many Wine Country driver services offer interesting information, and insider tips on the best wineries to visit for certain varietals or experiences. They can help make your trip meaningful and memorable.
2. Sandwiches, or bread, cheese, salami and bottled water – Many wineries have picnic areas, and welcome you to bring a packed lunch or charcuterie type items. Just always, ALWAYS call the winery first to make sure they allow outside food. If they do, make sure you purchase at least a couple bottles of wine to enjoy with your meal. This is common courtesy and the winery will definitely appreciate it. NEVER under any circumstances bring outside beverages other than bottled water with you into a winery. You would be surprised how often this happens.
3. A Wine Road map and a Plan – Now, the plan may get thrown out the window as soon as you venture out onto those bewitchingly beautiful, twisty wine country roads, but it’s always a good idea to start with one sketched out. Know the area you want to explore, and stick to an appellation or two. This not only lessens your driving time, it also allows you the opportunity to get to know a few distinct varietals and you can really get a sense of how different wineries approach the wine-making process. It lets you compare and contrast the same varietal between several different wineries, which is always a fascinating exercise.
Follow these three essential wine tasting tips and your wine country adventure will be fun, rewarding and (hopefully!) hassle-free. Happy Tasting!
Eat Well, Travel Well ~ Samantha