Calwineries

Tasting Room Etiquette

The Rules of Tasting Room Etiquette

In a winery’s tasting room, white wines are generally tasted first, followed by reds, and then dessert wines. Within these categories, lighter-bodied wines precede fuller-bodied ones. Water and crackers may be offered to cleanse the palate between each wine. Correct wine etiquette does not dictate that you must finish every glass. Winery tasting rooms provide jars to dispose of excess wine. Do not feel that you need to sample every wine offered- taste what appeals to you.

If you ask for a second tasting of a particular wine, it is in good taste to buy a bottle. Many wineries charge tasting fees which are generally applied to any purchase. It is not mandatory that you buy wine; purchase only what you desire. That being said, if you have made an appointment at a small winery, it is in good taste to make a purchase. Proper wine etiquette dictates that you not bring children to a tasting room.

There are several ways to taste wine safely. These include services that drive you through wine country, having a designated driver, having the tasting at home, and spitting. However, if you are driving and spitting, there is a chance that you can be pulled over on suspicion of D.U.I. or D.W.I. If this happens there are several Field Sobriety Tests that you can take that will help prove your sobriety.

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Calwineries is a website devoted to California Wine Country and California Wine Tours. Additionally, we want to teach the basics of wine information.