Wine tasting is an art! It may seem easy from the outside, but there is a lot more to it. Professional wine tasters did not become experts in the field without getting excellent in it. The good news is, as long as you love drinking wine, the learning curve is not very steep. The biggest challenge might just be getting accustomed to the standards and norms of a wine tasting event.
Houston is, arguably, one of the fastest-growing wine-tasting cities in the United States. Yes, the city is famously recognized as the space exploration capital of the world; however, its prominence in the field of wine tasting is gradually rising. Thus, it is a wonderful location for wine enthusiasts to visit and take part in some of the most iconic wine tasting events hosted here. This article discusses the factors to remember if you are visiting such an event for the very first time.
Try the Flavors That Houston Is Famous for
Certain regions are famous for particular brands of wine that are likely to be showcased exclusively during wine tasting events taking place in those locations. If you are visiting California, you will be overwhelmed by the variety of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon on display. Oregon is famous for its vast assortment of Gamay and Riesling. Washington has the best Syrah and Merlot the country has to offer. The list is endless!
When visiting a Houston winery, prepare yourself to be surrounded by an array of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 2011 Petrus, Chateau Margaux, 2017 Opus One, and a lot more! If you are not sure which winery to visit, do your research on the available wine tasting Houston locations that fit your budget and preference. As mentioned earlier, locations do matter! We suggest you try out the famous wine flavors- if not unique – in that winery or area. There is a good possibility that a specific, regional wine may not taste very authentic if purchased from elsewhere. Make sure you do not miss the chance.
Do Not Hesitate to Consult With the Other Attendees and Experts
A person visiting a wine tasting event for the very first time may run into some dilemma while at it. You may not recognize most of the flavors and brands on display and have a hard time choosing your first drink. In such cases, asking around for information about the drinks is the smartest way to follow.
Generally, the drink pourers or dedicated servers have all the necessary information regarding the wine. We suggest you ask them all your questions, as they are the experts who would know the most. If you are lucky enough, you may even get to meet the original winemaker and share your thoughts. There is a lot to learn. Ranging from the vineyard’s location and history to the type of grape used, you can get almost any kind of information from these occasions.
Furthermore, everyone in attendance may not be amateurs in wine tasting. Some of them could be wine experts, who have their viewpoints on some flavors that are being showcased. Exchanging information with such accomplished personalities promises to be an exciting experience on its own. Try not to feel left out. Even the greatest wine tasters once went through their first day in a winery. Taste anything you feel like. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it!
Drink With an Empty Stomach at Your Own Risk
There is a big possibility of becoming drunk if you drink with an empty stomach. This will potentially ruin your entire experience, and even force you to leave the venue earlier than planned. Try having a small meal before, or at least during, the event to negate the strong effects of alcohol. Most venues usually offer food along with the wine so that the attendees can munch away – wine glass in hand. Many places even allow wine tasters to bring their food. We suggest you stop drinking the moment you start to feel drunk and leave the premises right away. You can always join newer wine tasting sessions afterward – especially in a city like Houston.
There Is No Need to Finish Every Glass of Wine You Take
This is a misconception that a lot of wine-tasting amateurs have. The name itself indicates “tasting” only. Thus, there is no need to finish each glass you fill up with wine. If you do not like the flavor, you can always leave it unfinished. Some venues have dedicated bins for the tasters to spit the wine out in case the flavor is not appealing enough. This is not considered indecent by any means. You have every option to taste the wine or dispose of it at your will. Especially during the end of wine tasting sessions, most attendees are usually full and unwilling to drink more. In such conditions, you may take a glass of wine but might not be able to finish it. Do not be perturbed. Just leave it.
Final Thoughts
Wine lovers ardently wait for the occasion when they can visit a fine wine tasting event. Of course, you can mix the ingredients and conjure up a delicious cup of Blueberry Muffin Smoothie at home, but an event like wine-tasting offers a lot more. The mere fact that some of these events provide a huge collection of different wines is unmatched. Surely, you do not want to miss out! A proper understanding of the norms and etiquette in Wine Tasting tours can boost your confidence and increase your wine-tasting efficiency.
