Simple and Complex Types of Wine Tastings

Simple and complex types of wine tastings are both a lot of fun! I go to as many professional wine tastings as possible. It is the best way to taste and learn about wine and the wine making process. Usually, they involve 1-2 speakers. Usually, a wine educator runs the tasting. Sometimes, the owners and winemakers run them. That is really cool! So, how do you have a wine tasting at home with friends and family if you are not knowledgeable? Obviously, you can look up information on the web. But, it is best if you can consult or even hire someone. I offer wine consulting for tastings. It is free for the first one. Contact me at 609-364-3477 or on Facebook at my How To Pick A Wine Page. They do not have to be super serious if you do not want that. And, you can do a wine tasting barbecue for fun in the nice weather!

Simple Types of Wine Tastings

The easiest type of wine tasting is a BYOB at your home. Bring your own bottle! Ask your guests to bring anything that they desire. Also, try a themed BYOB such as California or Italian wines. If you want to narrow it down some, try themes like Napa Valley or Tuscany wines. And, try all whites, roses, sparkling or red wines. Call local BYOB restaurants to see if they can give you a private room. That is a fun way to try a theme and eat at a good restaurant with a bunch of friends. Another form of simple wine tastings is at your local wineries. They hold them usually weekly or monthly for a low fee.

Professional Wine Tastings

Some wineries and restaurants offer professional wine tastings where a wine professional will speak while you taste the wines and eat. Often, the professional is a wine salesperson or distributor. Sometimes, it is a winemaker or an owner which is cool. They offer excellent insight. There is more to tastings than just wine knowledge. They teach you how to look at the wine and smell the aromas. Also, they teach you how to taste the wine and learn about climate and terroir, etc.

Wine Festivals

Wine festivals are a great way to taste a wide variety of wines for an entrance fee. Usually, they are in big cities and come on an annual basis. If you want to taste the really good stuff, most offer an early VIP entrance where better wines are poured. Also, you meet owners and wine makers at festivals. Establish relationships. You never know, but you might run into them again if you visit their winery. I met Christina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi in Tuscany at a wine festival in Philadelphia. Later that year on a vacation to Tuscany, I met her parents who were the owners. And, when I mentioned that I met their daughter, they were delighted. Another time I met Lamberto Frescobaldi of Frescobaldi wines. Years later, I contacted him and reminded him how we met. He happily granted me an interview!

Complex Wine Tastings

Most complex wine tastings involve a wine professional. There are many for hire that will come to your home and supply the wine and food. They plan ahead to bring wines that you think your guests will enjoy. Then, they pick food to pair with each wine. They teach you why certain wines go better with certain foods. Usually, they will bring about 4-5 wines. Wine professionals know that once a person becomes inebriated, their ability to smell and taste diminishes. These can be a lot of fun if the professional is personable and does not get to serious for the guests.

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