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A Taste for Wine Country
Summertime is a perfect time
to visit a wine country. I can think of at least three compelling reasons to
spend time in a wine region. First, if you’re already a fan of a particular
region’s wines, it can be an exciting experience to meet its winemakers who are
passionate and eager to talk about their art. Second, there is no better way to
explore the world then by visiting great wine properties; many older wine
estates are built on the most spectacular sites. Third, where there is a
first-rate wine, delicious food is rarely far behind.
Living in Northern California
affords us the opportunity to visit wine country as often as we care to. Here
are a few tips to make your visit a success:
- Book
the wineries in advance. You can
try simply showing up at the winery but keep in mind that the finest
places are often the least accessible.
- Observe
the basic rules of etiquette. If
you have an appointment, call if you’re running more than 15 minutes late
and don’t be a no show. Word gets around.
- Dress
comfortably. Wine touring
requires a lot of footwork. If you’re sampling in a wine cellar, the floor
will probably be cold and damp so come prepared.
- Show
interest. Listen to what the
pourer is saying and ask questions but don’t pretend you are an expert.
You’re there to learn and have fun.
- Offer a
few words of praise. Start
slowly; odds are your host will begin with the lesser wines and work up to
the more serious in the portfolio. Offering too much of a fuss too early
on will seem insincere.
- Remember
to spit. You won’t be expected
to drink everything you are given to taste, but if you drain each glass,
your day will be over before lunch.
- Do
comparative tastings. Tasting
rooms offer a terrific opportunity to taste wines against each other. If
there are two chardonnays being offered for tasting, taste them side- by
side. You’ll enjoy tasting
the differences.
- Buy a
bottle. You don’t have to but
it’s a polite gesture, and if you’ve had a nice chat with the winemaker
ask him to sign the bottle. Some wineries charge to taste and often deduct
that fee from the cost of a bottle.
A visit to wine country can
often be as entertaining as it is educational so get out there and enjoy!
