Congratulations!You just booked yourself and your friends a wine tasting event. Only you are not entirely sure on how to prepare about it… You start doubting what other people might think of you and words like ‘tannins’ or ‘bouquet’ wander around your mind making you sweat.
‘What if I won’t be able to smell a thing?’
‘Should I bring water or snacks?’
‘What kind of wine is Prosecco anyway?’
Assyrtiko Wine Stories gets in your shoes and understands your concerns. That is why we did our research and we proudly present you with ten simple steps to follow in order to make your wine experience easier:
Do not taste wine on a completely empty stomach and also not straight after lunch. Have a light meal an hour or so before the tasting because even when you sip lightly the alcohol levels can often add up before you know it.
Do not wash your teeth right before tasting. Toothpaste will coat your mouth with an impervious substance interacting with your tasting process.
Drink plenty of water in between wines. Keeping yourself hydrated helps maintaining your palate clean and your mind focused.
Avoid strong flavours like coffee, tobacco or spicy food beforehand, especially if you are going to start with white wine. (A shot of espresso in between reds though calibrate your palate and neutralizes your tasting buds)
Don’t be shy and grab a bite of bread every time you taste a different wine. It’s going to absorb intense flavours and help avoiding palate fatigue.
Do not wear perfume or cologne beforehand as it can interfere with a wine’s aromas ( bear in mind that deodorant is still essential though…).
Dress in layers and wear comfy shoes. If you have long hair, tie it back so you can spit easily.
Try to stay focused on the process during the tasting. No matter how funny it may look, detecting aromas and flavours is a tricky business and if you are constantly distracted you will miss a big part of it.
Make sure you feel comfortable. The environment around you is of major importance and be sure to ask for an open window or a bit more light in the room when you feel like it.
Choose your wine tasting companion carefully and be sure you are on the same page with your friends when it comes to the purpose of the event.