Woman in striped dress sitting outdoors by a lake on a sunny day.

Wine Tasting:  Sandy’s Guide for the Casual Enthusiast Who Has No Idea What They’re Doing

11/07/2024|Sandy|, , , ,

Welcome to the sophisticated, mysterious and sometimes baffling world of wine tasting!  If you’re the kind of person who likes wine but has no idea what “notes of cassis with a hint of slate” means, I’m here to help!  Let’s dive into the dos and dont’s of wine tasting without embarrassing ourselves or spilling on our shirts.

Friends toasting with wine and beer glasses at a gathering.
Cheers to good wine, better company and questionable tasting notes.

Step 1: The Swirl.

The swirl is a staple of wine tasting. Why do we swirl? Because it looks impressive. Apparently, it also releases the aromas. But, honestly, who knows if that’s true or just something wine people say to justify swishing liquid around.

A hand holding a glass of rose wine in a modern winery.
It’s all in the wrist, darling.

Step 2: The Sniff.

Next, the sniff.  Carefully, stick your nose in the glass and take a deep breath.  Try to identify something.  You might hear people talking about ‘blackberry’, ‘oak’ or ‘leather’.  If you can’t smell anything, don’t stress.  Just nod thoughtfully and murmur ‘interesting’. 

Woman wearing striped shirt and glasses holds two glasses of white wine.
Trying to detect oak, leather and the faint scent of my own confusion.

Step 3:  The Sip.

Ah, the main event!  Take a small sip and swish it around a bit.  Wine experts say this “awakens the flavors.”  You may actually taste something specific or you may just taste wine.  Either way, look intrigued and nod approvingly.  If anyone asks specifically, say you’re getting ‘notes of red fruit and earth’.  Even if you’re not, it sounds legit.

A wine tasting setup with five glasses of wine and tasting notes.
Getting hints of cedar, confidence and mild imposter syndrome.

Step 4: The Fake Knowledge.

At some point, someone is going to ask your opinion. This is your moment. Look down at your glass, sigh thoughtfully and reply, it’s full-bodied with good structure. If you want to throw in a wild card, add, I’m getting a hint of cedar on the finish.  Wine people LOVE hints of things on the finish.

Person relaxing outdoors in a sunny orchard setting.
After five tastings, everything tastes profound!

Step 5: Try Not to Overdo It.

After three or four samples, it may start to feel like everything has “notes of delicious. Pace yourself or you’ll end up thinking the tasting room’s decor is deeply profound.  By the end, you’ll have mastered the art of looking like a wine expert while possibly learning nothing new about wine.  But that’s okay!  Because let’s be real:  I’m just here trying to figure out which wine pairs best with Netflix and pajamas.

Person with glasses laughing, holding a large glass with a drink.