Wine tasting is a form of art. It may appear simple, but there is much more to it. Professional wine tasters do not become specialists unless they are exceptionally good at it. The good news is that the learning curve isn't too severe if you enjoy drinking wine.
Houston is, without a doubt, one of the world's best and fastest wine-tasting cities. Often, large wine tasting festivals in Houston are a significant hub for top-notch cuisine, wine, cocktails, and beer.
Wine tasting is about as straightforward as it sounds. Still, if you've never been there before, it's normal to have questions and concerns. Wine-tasting? you might think, Isn't that for those who drink or buy wine regularly? We've got some excellent news for you: it can be anything you want it to be.
Start here if you want to learn more about wine and how to experience it. We'll start with the basics.
Make Plans for Your Wine Tour!
It's usually a good idea to plan your day ahead of time. Many vineyards require reservations and depending on the size of your group, different options will be available. Getting through a day without a plan might be difficult, and it will distract and subtract from your experience.
You will be a delighted wine lover if you take the time to plan out your day of wine tasting or collaborate with your guide, letting them know your interests and allowing them to assist you on your wine tour.
Dress According to the Event
Dress in dark colors to cover spills, minimize dangling sleeves to avoid falls, and think about the location to determine the proper dress code. For comfort, women can go for flats or low heels. If you have long hair, tie it back or have one hand free to hold it back so you can spit quickly.
Bring a handbag or have deep pockets if you're going to carry anything (tasting book, notebook, smartphone, or tablet). You'll only have one hand free to handle a plate of food, shake hands with winemakers, and take notes if you're carrying a wineglass around.
Wearing a Perfume That Is Too Strong Is Not a Good Idea
Your sense of smell is linked to your sense of taste in a complex way. You may experience a different impression when tasting particular wines if you are wearing strong perfume or cologne. Furthermore, many in the room will be unhappy with you because they may smell your scent, which will interfere with their experience. If you smoke, you need to be cautious. You don't want a smoke odor on your clothing because it will detract from everyone's pleasure. Vape pens and e-cigarettes are included. Avoid all of this on the day of your wine tasting Houston to avoid becoming the group's outcast.
Try Some of Houston's Famous Flavors!
Certain regions are known for specific brands of wine, which are likely to be featured exclusively during wine tasting events held in those areas. If you visit California, the diversity of chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon on exhibit will astound you.
Oregon is known for its wide range of gamay and riesling varieties. Washington produces some of the top syrah and merlot in the country. The list goes on and on!
Drink a Lot of Water
Although water will most likely be available on site, it is recommended that you bring a water bottle to the tasting. You should drink the same amount of water as you do wine. This also aids in the prevention of drunkenness.
You Don't Need to Be an Expert to Do This
All you need to know is what you enjoy. There are no right or incorrect answers when it comes to your particular tastes. We get it: you walk into a winery and see people swirling their glasses and conversing freely about tasting notes and tannins.
You might feel as though you don't belong. But like with any other hobby, realize that everyone started somewhere. Of course, if you want to, you can get there as well. And if you don't, no worries. Suppose you have to attend a social event, sample some wine and put the experience behind you.
Eat Something Before Having Wine
On an empty stomach, tasting wine (and possibly drinking some) is a recipe for quickly becoming intoxicated and unable to enjoy the rest of the event. Remember to eat beforehand, and if the tasting offers food, pause to eat there as well. Staying hydrated is made more accessible by drinking water in between wines.
The tannins, acidity, and frequency can throw you off, but a little food can help you get back on track. Everyone is born with a unique constitution. Eat some snacks if you feel compelled to have them. To avoid disrupting your palate, keep it simple—coat your stomach, not the wine. Mid-day, have a delicious lunch and rehydrate.
Don't Pour Too Much!
A basic tasting pour can range anywhere between one and three ounces. However, if you pour more than this quantity per glass, the amount of alcohol you consume could quickly add up. A wine tasting aims to assess the flavor, body, tannins, and astringency of various wines. If you are visiting numerous vineyards, make sure to drink sensibly and have a designated driver.
Avoid Coffee and Chewing Gum
You want to obtain the full flavor of the wine. If you consume coffee or chew bubblegum soon before the tasting, you risk dulling your taste buds. Both of these chemicals are potent, and you may not be able to enjoy yourself as much if all of the wine has a faint coffee flavor.
Consider the Red-wine-teeth Conundrum
Drinking red wine can stain your teeth, which is an unfortunate side effect of the wine-tasting business. If you don't want to leave the event with a purple grin, plan ahead of time how you'll handle this. Brushing your teeth right after a wine tasting might remove the protective enamel from your teeth. It's preferable to remember to drink water and bring some chewing gum with you when you're finished.
Have Fun with It
Most importantly, remember to have fun. While there are various ways to conduct a wine tasting, the best way to ensure the best experience is to do what feels right for you. Perhaps you'll discover a new bottle to add to your collection!
We hope you find these strategies helpful for your next wine tasting trip in Houston. Enjoy yourself with these tricks!
