Wine Tasting Tips and Advice
There's a hint of romance and adventure to roaming the countryside in search of the perfect wine. But a poorly organized winery tour can turn sour - just like a wine that has gone off - when heads become muddled with alcohol. Therefore, it pays to spend a little time before you set off and plan the event.
Here are some tips to make your wine tasting tour a success. Keep an ice chest or two in your vehicle to protect your newly purchased wines from the summer heat. Don't get too eager and overbook. Three to five wineries a day is enough for the most seasoned wine taster and bring a notebook to jot down favourites for later reference.
Although you’re only meant to taste the wines chances are that you’ll end up actually consuming the nectar of the Gods and those samples can add up more quickly than you realize. Therefore you need to choose a designated driver; better still why not hire a luxury limousine, that way your chauffer can be your designated driver. In fact many limo companies offer wine touring packages and are happy to offer advice.
It is also a good idea to call ahead, or make sure your limo hire company calls ahead to make sure the smaller wineries will be open during the time of your tour. Also, do not wear perfumes or fragrances while tasting wine as these are likely to impede your ability to discern the various fragrances and bouquets that distinguish a top drop.
Many wineries have gravel roads, and you may do some walking, so it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes. Grape grower, Betty O'Brien, suggests bringing a jacket or wrap as well for venturing into cool wine cellars. Wine tasting is an art as much as it is science. Winemaker Jason Lett recommends going from light to dark wines. With whites, start with the most crisp and finish with the richest. With reds, start with the youngest vintage and finish with the oldest.
Savour the look, smell and feel of the wine. Swirl it around in the glass to work air into it and release the aroma, eat crackers or plain white bread to cleanse your palate between samples. Remember, don’t feel like you have to swallow everything. According to Lett using the spittoon is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. Also, eating regular meals will help you keep a clear head. Many vineyards make the perfect setting for a picnic lunch if you don't want to brave the packed restaurants, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
If you’re planning an upcoming winery tour and are contemplating hiring a limo, contact HireLimos.
