Wine Tasting FAQs

1. How do I taste wine properly?

The wines are “judged” by its colour, intensity, and depth, all these can reveal the wine’s concentration, body, age, and overall style. There is a basic technique to start from. First make sure you are in a calm room without many odours (e.g. kitchen smells, perfumes, candles etc), you need to concentrate and don’t let the surroundings distract you. If you are in a winery they will provide you with the correct glass and wine at the proper temperature. If not, visit the winemakers site and find all the details about the wine and the proper temperature to be served.

Here are the 5 S’s of wine tasting:

• See: Observe the colour of the wine. The colour, depth, and intensity offer insight to the wine’s age, grape variety, and style. Pick up the glass and check the colour on a white background. Smell 1: Primary aromas have a major impact on perceived flavour. Try to pick out different fruits, flowers, herbs, and more.
• Swirl: Swirling the wine is a must as it aerates it and helps to release its aromas and “open it up”. Smell 2 : Don’t be afraid to put your entire nose right into the glass. Some wines need 2 or 3 swirls before revealing their character.
• Sip: Take a small sip by sucking on it as if pulling it through a straw, this way you also allow air in your mouth. Taste the wine making sure to cover all of your taste buds and discover all the different flavours of the wine.
• Savour: The finish is the sensation you get from actually swallowing the wine and it can be very different from the taste you get on your palate. Observe how long the wine lingers after you swallow it. What you will smell and taste is a revelation, it might be different to each person. There is no wrong answer on a tasting, ask questions and discuss it with your fellow wine tasters!

2. How many wine tastings can I participate in a day?

As many as you can, literally. But it is best to stay within your limits. Not everyone can taste the same amount of wine. If you start now, it’s wise to take it slowly and don’t swallow the wine. At first you will think that all the wines taste the same, you will need a lot of tastings before you discover all the different aromas and tastes. Wine tasting is an acquired skill and it takes a lot of time and commitment. Be patient !

4. What should you not do at a wine tasting?

Don’t smoke or wear perfume, as smells interfere with your senses and as wine tasting is a multisensory experience, it will ruin it. Don’t criticise someone who spits or not in the spit bucket, each person has its own method. Don’t be negative about trying new wines, that is exactly the point of a wine tasting. Be open minded and go on !

5. How long does a wine tasting last?

Depends on how many wines you will taste. It also depends on how many people you will be. I found that the more people the longer the tasting because you have the chance to discuss each wine with your fellow wine tasters!

6. Do you swallow wine at a wine tasting? Or use the spittoon (spitting bucket)

Some people say “wine should not be wasted” but when managing alcohol intake during wine tasting, individuals can choose to spit instead of swallowing, especially if driving or sampling extensively. Despite this option, many opt for responsible sipping in the cosy setting of winery tasting rooms, fostering a more intimate atmosphere. Larger wine events often witness more spitting as tasters aim to maintain stamina and heightened sensory perception across numerous tastings. Always drink in moderation!