Whether you prefer red or white, wine tastings can help you expand your knowledge and know your exact tastes. If you’ve never attended a tasting, you might not know what to expect when you head to the winery. The following do’s and don’ts can help you prepare for a wine-focused guided tour and make the most of the experience.

Do:

Try new options.

Use this opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone. Approach the tasting with an open mind and palate, and try different varieties that you wouldn’t consider otherwise.

Even if you don’t typically enjoy sweeter wines, take a sip of a riesling or bubbly champagne. You might be surprised to find a new favorite to pair with your next meal.

Take notes.

Bring a pen and paper to keep track of what you’ve sampled during the day, jotting down what you’ve liked and disliked about each wine. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Your tour guide or the winery’s staff can give you additional context behind each beverage’s style and region. They can also provide suggestions on other wines you'd enjoy based on your preferences.

Don’t:

Drink on an empty stomach.

Although you won’t be drinking full glasses, small sips add up. Aside from drinking in moderation and staying hydrated with water, eat a sizable meal beforehand to avoid getting too intoxicated. Check if the winery provides lunch or snacks so you can plan ahead of time.

Wear strong perfume or cologne.

During a tasting, you should focus on the aromas of the wine. Strong fragrances engulf the air around you and your fellow drinkers, and they can often affect how you taste. A beverage’s subtle nuances are essential to its overall impact, and a spritz of cologne or perfume can distract the senses.

 

Engross yourself in Arizona’s robust landscape and culture with Laughlin Tours. Operating since 2001, the award-winning company leads intimate guided tours through the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, along with cultural immersions inside the state’s distilleries and wineries. Serving the Laughlin, NV, area, they’ll help you plan a trip you’ll never forget. Learn more about their services on their website, or call (702) 420-5345 to book a guided tour.