Discover the Magic of Wine Tasting In Reno
If you’re like most wine-loving beginners, the thought of attending your first wine tasting might have you shaking in your drinking boots. You may be having a tough time picturing yourself swirling and sniffing with an intense look of concentration on your face, while muttering phrases like, “Zesty notes,” or, “Mm, oaky undertones.” Not to worry – with these 5 tried-and-true hacks, even the most novice oenophile (a who-what now?) can start speaking “Winer” in no time. So get comfy – let’s uncork our inner sommelier!
Wine Tasting
We’re in wine country after all, and what’s the cherry on top of a Northern California day besides enjoying a glass of wine?
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The best way to experience Sierra Vista’s Winery and Vineyards is by joining one of our exclusive Wine Clubs!
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– 5 Wine Tasting Hacks for Beginners –
1: Ask Questions
Don’t know your grapes from your grapefruits? No worries, friend.
Let’s be real, most people aren’t oenophiles (there’s that word again). Some of us can barely pronounce “Pinot Noir” without feeling like a fraud, let alone remember every wine region and flavor note.
So don’t be afraid to speak up if something’s puzzling you. The friendly members of the Sierra Vista team are happy to quench your curiosity by answering any questions you might have.
“Will I get tipsy during the tasting?”
“What cheese would you pair this wine with?”
“What temperature do you recommend serving this wine?”
“How do I join the Wine Club?”
“And just what in the heck is an oenophile?”
2: Take Notes
You don’t have to be a wine wizard to enjoy a vineyard tour and wine tasting experience – but remembering all the details about multiple wines can be tough.
No worries! It’s common practice to ask for a pen and paper (or use your phone!) to jot down your thoughts as you go.
It’s totally up to you what to write – whether you feel like one sip evokes visions of “crisp raspberries glistening under a spring dawn,” or if a different sip inspires a tart, “Yowsa!” The purpose is to help you remember what you enjoyed and why.
Don’t worry about sounding silly – these notes are just for you! Go ahead and write down whatever comes to mind, so you can capture every delicious detail of your wine tasting experience.
3: Hold the Wine Glass by the Stem
Improve your wine tasting experience by holding your glass by the stem. Why? Well, this simple action preserves the wine’s temperature.
By avoiding touching the bowl of the glass, you prevent your body heat from increasing the temperature of the wine too quickly. This helps to maintain the wine’s flavor and quality, making every sip more enjoyable.
You’ll want to observe the various hues and shades of your wine as you taste it, and holding the glass by the stem gives you an unobstructed view.
Which brings us to the next point…
4. To Drink or Not to Drink
There’s an age-old question that looms over every wine tasting – after your sip, do you spit out the wine? Or do you swallow it?
While spitting out your wine was originally a way to keep your wits about you during a lengthy tasting, times have changed. Most establishments now offer smaller portions, making it unlikely that you’ll overindulge.
Still, while intimate winery rooms might encourage sipping, larger events will likely have more spitters, as it helps maintain stamina and the ability to appreciate each wine.
So, what’s the answer then? Should you swallow your wine, and enjoy it to the fullest, or spit it out?
The good news is that it’s entirely up to you!
But if you’re gonna spit…
5: Spit Wine Like a Pro
Spitting wine is a common part of any wine tasting, which is why there are often spit buckets, or “spittoons,” conveniently at hand.
But if you’re hesitant to use a spit bucket in public, don’t worry. With a little practice, you can confidently spit like a pro during your next wine tour.
To perfect your wine-spitting technique, purse your lips and aim for a narrow, confident stream. Careful! Loose lips and weak spit can lead to the dreaded “wine dribble,” which can lead to some awkward looks – so technique is key!
Have fun spitting!
Book a Wine Tasting at Sierra Vista Today!
With these simple hacks, and a little practice, you’ll be ready to wow your friends at a wine tasting in no time.
We bet you can’t wait to start amateur som-melier-ing!
If you want get a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience, stop by the Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery today.
We’ve been producing premium wines that consistently win awards year after year. Our legacy of using the finest grapes and artisan winemaking techniques has allowed us to maintain our status as one of the oldest continually operated wineries in the Sierra Foothills.
Our staff of dedicated winemakers will help make sure you pick up everything you need for the perfect wine tasting evening. And just imagine how much more impressive that cheese board will look when it’s accompanied by a bottle of wine that’s been picked out with confidence and wisdom!
So go ahead – Pop off the cork and dive into learning something new. Cheers!
Wine Specials
We’ve been wowing wine enthusiasts with our award-winning vintages year after year. Our legacy of premium grapes combined with the expert craftsmanship of our expert winemakers produce special, hand-crafted wines of unparalleled quality.
About Sierra Vista Winery
“An El Dorado Original”
Over 45 years ago, Sierra Vista pioneered the way for the Sierra Foothills when it purchased it’s property in 1972. Once the land was cleared, the first vineyard was planted in 1974. The topography, soils and altitudes in the vineyard create varied micro climates consistent with some of the best known grape growing regions of the world including Côtes du Rhône, Bordeaux and Burgundy. After 3 years of production, construction and wine making, the winery was open for business in 1977 as one of the first El Dorado County wineries in modern day history. Sierra Vista have been creating award winning wines year after year. Today, the legacy of their premium grapes together with fine artisan wine making produce quality hand crafted wines and maintains its status as one of the oldest continuing run wineries in all of the Sierra Foothills.
CHEERS!
JIM CZACHOROWSKI – OWNER