Tasting Tips For Wine Events

1. Taste something new – Take the opportunity to try new wines without investing in a whole bottle.

2. Make a plan –  Check your program or the tables to decide which wines interest you most.  Taste your top picks first while you are fresh (and before they run out).

3. Whites before reds, dry before sweet – tasting in this order will prevent your taste buds from becoming overwhelmed.

4. Cleansing the palate – If you do taste a wine that lingers longer than you want, eat some plain bread or crackers and drink some water.

5. Eat –   Don’t go on an empty stomach and take a break midway through the tasting to eat.   Not only will you be less likely to “get drunk” but you can experience food with the wine.

6. Don’t get drunk –  You cannot taste and spit 100 wines.  You cannot swallow 25.  Don’t try.

7. Spit – Yes, I know it doesn’t sound fun.  You don’t have to spit everything.  If it is wonderful, drink it.  But to keep your palate fresh and prevent intoxication find the “dump bucket” or carry a cup.

8. Preparing your palate –Avoid toothpaste, mouthwash, coffee, cigarettes or any other strong flavors right before tasting.

9. Be considerate – Skip the perfume/cologne.  It may make it difficult for others to smell/taste their wine.