wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

wine tasting seems to be a big thing. I've never gone (neither has DH) it would be nice for us to try something new. that being said, we are not huge wine drinkers and I don't know anything about it, my girlfriends always order for me

what exactly happens ? do the people recommend different wines for you to try? or do you order your own bottles, how does this work? Give me the rundown please

TIA!

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

Each place has their own 'thing' that they offer. The best is to go and ask. All the wineries I've gone to... (and that's a lot ) have SUPER friendly people there. Ask a thousand questions! Take a tour too because you will learn a lot (those are free).

Some offer 'flights'. That is usually a sampling of a few wines. It is usually just a taste or two of specific wines. Some offer white or red flights.

You can order a flight for you, and a flight for your DH. I suggest one for the both of you in case you don't like it, especially not being big wine drinkers.

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

I've never been to the wineries out east, but the ones I've been to here in California, this is what happens:

-You go to the winery or wine bar, and pay your fee for a tasting (let's say $10).
-Generally, your fee pays for a certain number of tastings (usually 6), and sometimes includes a souvenir wine glass to take home.
-They give you a glass, 6 tickets (or something so you can keep track of which # tasting you're on - some places just go on your good word), and a list of the wines they offer for tastings (or they have all the bottles right there to choose from).
-You choose from the list/bottles which type of wine you'd like to start with, and hand in one ticket in exchange for that wine. It is not a full glass; they usually have those special pouring things on the top that only put in however many ounces.
-Do that 6 times, and you're done!
-You can definitely ask the bartender for recommendations off the list, or if any are "specialities," etc.
-I don't know much about wine myself, but I like to start with whites and end with reds.
-If you go with someone who's done it before, follow their lead, do what they do.

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

I love wine tasting!

Each place usually offers 'flights' - or a sampling of tastings of their wines. Many times they have them as reds, whites, or a mix. Some offer as few as three or as many as six tastings in a flight. (Usually about a 1 oz pour or so for each one that you taste.)

Just walk into any tasting room and explain what kind of wines you like, and they will recommend you either try a flight or maybe a taste of a particular wine to your liking.

Check out liwines.com for a map on them all and information on all the vineyards out east with their websites.

We go all the time and really love it! Heck we're going this sunday. FM me if you have any questions.

Message edited 4/26/2010 7:25:15 PM.

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

In case you interested, the Junior Welfare League is hosting a Wine Tasting at Coindre Hall in Huntington on June 5th.

In the past they've done it at the Vanderbilt in Centerport and it's a lot of fun, especially if you go with another couple or friends.

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

One of the best intro books you can get is Wine For Dummies.

It really is a great way to get Started. They teach about how to taste, what the different sections of the tongue respond to, what to be smelling for, etc...

A Great book!!!

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

I always find the person pouring the wine to be really helpful. If you say that you don't know much about wine, they will tell you as much info as possible.

A wine tour is a great place to start! I've done a few wine tours and I like the ones that have less people. I've done two private tours and one with a group of ten. These were all outside of the US, however. I'm not sure how it works on LI as I've just driven around and tasted. I do know you have to pay to taste wine, which I find so strange!

Think about what wines you do like. Do you like sweet or dry? Why do you like your favourite wine? Are there any particular regions you really like (like Californian wines or French wines)?

Servers at the winery will definitely help you. Going to bigger wineries I find a bit intimidating b/c there are so many people there and they can't really help you as much as possible.

Most importantly, have fun!

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

Every winery will explain it to you, so don't worry about it.

Some have a set flight and you taste what they offer that day. Most have options and from the list, you choose a set number of wines to taste. You don't get a bottle - You get a tasting pour (couple of sips).

Have fun - and bring a designated driver! Those tastes REALLY add up.

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

Posted by DaniRella


I love it too - right Melissa? Except I get really tired when I drink wine LMAO!

Don't be tempted to post the pic of me on the way home.

Re: wine tasting - embarrassed to ask

Posted by MrsPJB2007

Posted by DaniRella


I love it too - right Melissa? Except I get really tired when I drink wine LMAO!

Don't be tempted to post the pic of me on the way home.

haha

I think I deleted it. We need to feed you Redbull when you drink so you don't tap out so damn early!