WINE TASTING 101

In this guide to wine tasting, we'll cover the basics of wine tasting and provide tips to help you get the most out of your experience.

1. Look, Swirl, Sniff, Sip
When it comes to wine tasting, there are four basic steps to follow: Look, Swirl, Sniff, and Sip. First, examine the wine's color and clarity by holding it up to the light. Next, swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas. Take a deep sniff of the wine to pick up its subtle aromas. Then take a sip and allow the wine to sit on your tongue for a moment before swallowing.

2. Taste with Your Senses
As you taste the wine, please pay attention to its texture, body, acidity, and finish. Is it light-bodied or full-bodied? Does it have a crisp acidity or a smooth texture? Does it leave a lingering aftertaste or finish quickly? All of these factors will help you identify the wine's characteristics and decide if you enjoy it.

3. Wine vocabulary
When tasting wine, it's helpful to use wine vocabulary to describe your experiences. Words like fruity, spicy, earthy and oaky can help you articulate the flavors and aromas you're experiencing. However, don't be afraid to use your own words and describe the wine in a way that makes sense to you.

4. Take notes
You'll be tasting several wines in one sitting, so it can be helpful to take notes on each wine to keep track of what you like and dislike. Jotting down the name of the wine, its vintage, and a brief description of its flavor profile can help you remember which wines you enjoyed and which ones you didn't. Most wineries will provide you with tasting notes and descriptions to help you understand the wine. You can just ask for a pen or bring one along with you.

5. How to hold your glass
While even seasoned professionals do this sometimes, avoid holding your glass by the bowl. That is a surefire way for people to recognize that you are a newbie. Holding the glass by the stem will alleviate this; the wine is served to you at optimum temperature. If you hold the bowl, you will warm the wine up to your body temperature. Additionally, holding the wine glass by the stem enables you to swirl the wine easily, releasing its aromas. (If the tasting is served to you in a stemless glass, all bets are off!)

6. The wine's legs
You may have heard that wine has legs. Several factors, including alcohol content, sugar content, viscosity, and surface tension, influence the presence and appearance of legs in wine. The most significant factor is alcohol content. Wine with higher alcohol content tends to have more pronounced legs because alcohol has a lower surface tension than water, causing it to flow more slowly down the glass. But legs are not a reliable indicator of a wine's flavor, complexity, or overall quality. Use aroma, taste, acidity, and balance, to assess the quality of a wine.

7. Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to ask questions! The staff at the winery or vineyard is there to help you and answer any questions you may have about the wine or the wine-making process. Asking questions can also help you learn more about the wine and deepen your appreciation for it.

! — It's considered good etiquette to purchase at least one bottle as a gesture of appreciation for the winery's hospitality, especially if you have enjoyed the wine and the experience. Wineries rely on sales, so buying a bottle of wine is a great way to support their work, and purchasing a bottle allows you to take home a little piece of the experience and enjoy it later.

More about Santa Ynez Valley Wines

OUR WINE TOURS