Things to know before a Wine Tasting Excursion

Wine Tastings are extremely popular excursions for cruisers visiting locations in Italy, Spain, France, and most of the Mediterranean. Here we will give you the deets on wine, including how wine is made, the proper way to taste it, and other important considerations to help you make the most out of your first (or, next) wine tasting experience.

Your Wine Tasting Guide to Enjoying Tastings Like a Pro

Wine tastings have emerged as a highly popular excursion for both wine enthusiasts and novices alike. These events offer a delightful journey into the world of wine, allowing participants to explore a variety of flavors, aromas amidst a beautiful backdrop of vineyard settings.

If you’re new to wine tasting, you might not be sure what to expect. Understanding the do’s and don’ts of wine tastings is important to fully appreciate — and be comfortable in — the experience. Let’s face it: wine tastings can be a little intimidating or overwhelming for many people!

Knowing how to savor wine properly, such as swirling, sniffing, and sipping, enhances your appreciation of the complex nuances in each glass. Additionally, respecting the etiquette of wine tasting, like refraining from excessive conversation and avoiding strong perfumes, ensures a pleasant atmosphere for all attendees. The more you know what to expect, the better your wine tasting, with a deep respect for the craftsmanship and culture behind the wines being sampled.

Read on to learn the fundamentals for a confident wine tasting experience.

The Basics of Wine

Wine is a much beloved beverage with a rich history and cultural significance the world over. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of winemaking dating as far back as 6,000 BC in the state of Georgia in the Caucasus region. Throughout history, wine has held a central role in various cultures, symbolizing celebration, communion, and even religious rituals.

Winemaking 101

Cultivation

The winemaking process begins with grape cultivation, where carefully chosen grape varieties are planted, tended to, and harvested when they reach optimal ripeness. The region (terroir) where the grapes are grown has a big impact on the flavor and acidity level of the wine. The grape’s vines absorb the flavors and nutrients around them — from the soil to nearby plants and even maritime influences.

For example, the volcanic soils typical in areas such as Italy and Greece contribute to rich wines with medium acidity. In contrast, wines cultivated in a clay-limestone soil tend to have more tannins and bolder flavors. And some grape varieties will only grow in certain soils and climates. Climate is also a factor. Wines grown in cooler climates tend to be fruitier, while wines from warmer climates will be more robust.

Our 69 wine tasting excursions give you endless opportunities to taste and compare wines across many different regions, including:

Europe/Mediterranean

Barcelona, Spain

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Lucca, Italy

Chania, Greece

Santorini, Greece

North America

Ensenada, Mexico

(click on the links above for an idea of what these tours offer)

Harvesting and Production

Harvesting typically occurs in the late summer or early autumn when the grapes are bursting with flavor. Once harvested, the grapes are crushed to release their juices, and the juice is then fermented. Old World wines from long-established wine regions in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East tend to have a short harvest season and produced in cooler climates, resulting in brighter, zippier, and more earthy flavors. New World wines hailing from North and South America, Australia, China, and South Africa have a longer cultivation time in warmer climates, resulting in wines that are more full-bodied, lower in acidity, with a fruitier flavor.

During fermentation, yeast converts the grape’s sugars into alcohol, creating wine. The resulting wine can undergo various aging processes, with some types maturing in barrels or tanks, while others age in bottles. This aging period allows the wine to develop its unique flavors and characteristics.

Types of Wine

Wine comes in a diverse array of types, each with its own distinct personality:

Red wine, made from dark grape varieties, is known for its robust flavors, often featuring notes of dark fruits and spices

White wine, produced from green or yellow grapes, offers a lighter, crisper taste with flavors like citrus, apple, and floral notes

Rosé wine falls in between, with a pink hue and a balanced flavor profile that often combines elements of red and white wines

Sparkling wine, including Champagne and Prosecco, is celebrated for its effervescence, adding a delightful fizz to any occasion

Understanding wine labels and terminology can be helpful, as they contain information regarding the wine’s origin, grape variety, vintage, and quality. Key terms like “tannins,” “acidity,” and “body” help describe a wine’s taste and mouthfeel, while labels may include designations such as “Reserve” or “Grand Cru” to signify superior quality.

Preparing for a Wine Tasting

Preparing for your wine tasting experience requires careful consideration of several key factors. First, it’s essential to understand the format and structure of a typical wine tasting, as they can vary widely, from formal seated tastings to more casual walk-around events.

Next, choose appropriate attire to wear; while there’s no strict dress code, it’s generally advisable to opt for smart-casual attire to ensure comfort and respect for the occasion. Think nice jeans and a blouse or sundress with a jean jacket for the ladies, and dark wash jeans or khakis with a golf or button down shirt for the men. Dark colors are good to hide any spills; avoid wearing wide or dangling sleeves that can cause spills. Dress in layers for temperature fluctuations, and for tours that involve the production facility, barrel room, or a wine cave.

Closed toe shoes, flats, or low heeled boots or shoes are a smart choice in case your tasting includes a walk in the vineyards or on other uneven terrain. Bring a notebook and pen to jot down tasting notes and impressions. A small bag for these items can help keep your hands free. And ladies — please do the winery a favor and skip your lipstick until after the tasting.

Lastly — and perhaps most importantly — arrive at the tasting with a fresh palate. This means avoiding strong-flavored foods or drinks beforehand to ensure your taste buds are primed to fully appreciate the subtleties of the wines you’ll be sampling. That being said, you will want to eat a snack or light meal before you go, and take advantage of any canapés or other foods being offered, to help soak up the alcohol in your stomach. It is also important to stay hydrated with plenty of water.

What to Expect

Most wine tastings are conducted over one to two hours, with the opportunity to sample between five to six different wine types. These samplings usually go in a progressive order — from the lighter whites to the more full bodied reds — so you can more easily detect the nuances in the delicate wines without them being overpowered by the aftertaste of the bold wines.

Your wine tasting guide will give you a small wine pour while sharing information such as the wine’s origin, main flavor notes, and any interesting tidbits about the wine or its makers.

Most tasting rooms will have a charcuterie board or other snacks for you to enjoy during the tasting. Some excursions might even combine the tasting with a meal.

Wine Tasting Tips

When going on a wine tasting adventure, there are several essential “Dos” to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable time. Keep these tips in mind:

• Holding the wine glass properly is crucial; grasp the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hand, allowing its aromas to shine
• Pace yourself, taking time to fully appreciate each sip; if you wish to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, discreetly spit out or pour your leftover wine in the spit bucket provided
• Engage with the wine tasting guide, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the wine’s origin, flavor profile, or food pairings
• Take photos of the wine labels, then note and document your wine tasting experience; this helps you remember your preferences and discoveries
• Drink water and use gum afterward to help ward off red teeth from too many dark wines
• Do show your appreciation to your wine tasting guide with a tip at the conclusion of the tasting

Just as there are “Dos”, there are also some “Don’ts” during a wine tasting. Be sure to refrain from:

• Overindulging and getting intoxicated
• Wearing strong fragrances that can interfere with the wine’s aroma
• Judging a wine solely based on its price or label, or even on the first sip (sometimes your perception of the wine will change within the first three sips)
• Making loud noises or otherwise being disruptive; be respectful, allowing everyone to savor the wine in a tranquil environment

The Proper Way to Taste Wine

Tasting wine is a sensory smorgasbord, engaging your senses of sight, smell, taste, and touch (mouthfeel).

Start with Your Eyes and Nose

Begin with a visual assessment, examining the wine’s color, clarity, and viscosity, holding the glass against a white background to better appreciate the hues. Next, gently swirl the wine in the glass to aerate it and help it “breathe”; then bring it up to your nose and take short sniffs to identify its nuances. Remember, your nose plays an important part in your ability to taste! With practice, you’ll discern various aroma profiles, whether they be fruity, floral, oaky, or more. This initial sensory exploration will help you appreciate the wine’s complexity and character to the fullest.

Tasting Techniques

The actual tasting of the wine is an artful practice that begins with a gentle sip, swirling the wine in your mouth to coat the palate and awaken the taste buds.

When ready, take a reasonable sip; one that is too small will make it hard to evaluate the wine’s impact on your senses. While savoring each sip, try to assess the wine’s characteristics, paying particular attention to its taste, acidity, tannins, and viscosity (thickness). Ask yourself these questions:

• Is the wine sweet or sour?
• Or sweet and balanced?
• Does it have a “zing” that lights up your mouth?
• Is the wine complex, with simultaneous sensations and multiple flavors?
• How long is the wine’s finish (the length of the wine’s aftertaste, or flavors that linger)? 10 seconds? 20 – 30 seconds?

The balance between these elements, the wine’s complexity, and its finish on the palate are crucial factors in determining its overall quality.

From sight to taste, these tasting techniques elevate the enjoyment of wine and deepens your appreciation for the subtle artistry behind every bottle. They will also help you to better determine which wines you really like.

Wine Tasting Etiquette

Wine tasting etiquette employs several key aspects to ensure a delightful and respectful experience. First and foremost, engaging in respectful behavior during the tasting is essential. This includes refraining from loud conversations and not monopolizing the wine expert’s time.

Properly communicating your preferences and opinions is also important; be honest but constructive in your feedback, as it aids both your understanding and the winery’s improvement efforts. Following the lead of the wine tasting guide demonstrates respect for their expertise and allows you to glean valuable insights.

Finally, understanding how to use the dump bucket is a mark of consideration towards fellow tasters; it is there to discreetly dispose of wine you don’t wish to finish. Overall, adhering to these etiquette guidelines ensures an enjoyable wine tasting adventure for everyone involved.

Enhancing the Wine Tasting Experience

Enhancing your wine tasting experience involves a multifaceted approach that goes beyond merely sipping a glass of wine. For example, understanding wine and food pairing principles, such as complementing flavors or contrasting textures, can unlock a symphony of tastes on your palate.

Participating in wine tasting experiences, vineyard tours, or wine making workshops helps deepen your knowledge and connect you with the vibrant wine culture, making every sip a more enriching experience.

To Sum it Up

Wine tasting is an event that demands a combination of preparation, knowledge, and responsible drinking to truly savor the richness of this ancient art. The importance of understanding the nuances of different varietals, regions, and wine-making techniques cannot be overstated. Equally crucial is the need to approach wine tasting with moderation and responsibility, ensuring that each experience is not only enjoyable but also safe.

We encourage you to step into the wonderful world of wine by booking a wine tasting excursion with us today.