Everything you Need to Know to Go Wine Tasting
Ever see pictures of people wine tasting and wonder what it’s like? What does it involve? What even is “wine tasting?” Me too!
The good news: it’s really easy! And fun!
Planning a Wine Tasting Trip
There are multiple “wine countries.” Wine country simply means an area where there are multiple wineries/viineyards in close proximity. Two of our favorites are Napa Valley and Amador County (both in Northern California). You can find your own wine country, but I mention my two favorites to create a forum to point out how different the experience can be based on where you choose to go.
Napa Valley is the quintessential wine tasting experience, so to speak. Some of the best wine in the country (maybe the world) comes from this area. You can have a picnic at one winery and head down the street for an exquisite seated tasting (possibly even in a cave). Visitors to this area include bridal parties, families, elderly couples and everyone in between. Many people dress in classy/trendy attire. An internet search “wine tasting outfits” will return many results. *Tastings at each winery cost approximately $10 per person up to $100 per person for the fancier places (which need a reservation). A sample schedule for the day can be found at the bottom of this post.
*Tastings: when you go into the wineries, you walk up and they start pouring tastes of wine for you (they choose which ones).
Amador is another Northern California wine tasting area. It is laid back, has mostly free tastings, and no call-for-ride options (cabs, Uber, etc.) because it’s so small. You can typically only taste on weekends because many wineries are closed weekdays or have very short hours. People wear whatever they want and the whole area has a very casual atmosphere. A sample schedule for wine tasting in Amador County can be found at the bottom of this post.
Transportation
Option 1: drive yourself
Depending on the amount of wine you plan to drink, it is wise to plan for the driving situation. Having a designated driver is lucky. Most of the time if you are just casually wine tasting, you will stay within the safe range for driving. However, if you are going with a group or to celebrate an occasion, it is wise to plan to not have to drive.
Option 2: group transportation
If you are going with a group, it is pretty reasonable (price wise) and fun to book some sort of driving “tour.” Areas that have multiple wineries, you can find a variety of these options if you search online. Limosines are fun (so I hear) but not the only option.
Vendors will be as involved or uninvolved as you’d like. In other words, the driver can do everything from choose your wineries and arrange where you’ll eat, or they can just drive quietly where you ask them to go and stay out of your plans.
For those who appreciate knowing what to expect: in group rides, you can always call the vendor ahead of time to ask any questions you may have. A few standard things to expect:
You schedule your time and it’s usually 3-4 hours. Don’t make the mistake of stretching your wine tasting so long that you expire past your schedule transportation unless you don’t mind walking home or picking up a new ride when you’re finished. One year after splurging to get a limousine with some friends, we ended up walking home from dinner in the rain.
Don’t mess with the car too much. If you have to adjust your seat, fine. But that’s about it. Usually the driver even likes to manage opening and closing the doors.
You can leave things in the car, such as bags of food for a picnic, jackets, and other belongings.
Tip the driver when you’re finished. 10-20%, just like restaurants.
Option 3: public transportation
Many areas where there are wineries there are also public transportation systems such as wine trains or buses. You can search the area you plan to go to see the options ahead of time.
Lodging
Once you decide on the general area you’d like to go, find a hotel. You will want somewhere to stay after a day of tasting wine.
The Amador County area is not huge, so there are only a handful of places to stay. We recently stayed at the Hanford House and it is so far our favorite. It’s in Sutter Creek, an adorable “downtown” with a couple shops and small cafes. It’s about a 15 minute drive to wineries. If you stay closer to the wineries, you give up being near shops and eating options. The Hanford House is perfect if you like simple and private combined with quaint and clean. A delicious hearty breakfast is included in their on-site restaurant. Visit https://www.hanfordhouse.com for availability and pictures.
There are many choices of places to stay in the Napa Valley area. If you want to be off the beaten path, you might be interested in the St. Helena area. The actual town of Napa is fun, however it is not as central to what most of us imagine as “wine country” and not as close to wineries. Due to its popularity, beauty, and the plethora of wineries, Napa Valley is more expensive than smaller areas when it comes to lodging.
Logistics
Commonly people make it to about 4-6 wineries in a day. You do not have to drink wine at all of them. Some have eating areas, some have great tours through the vineyards or caves, and some have other areas you can look through such as art galleries or shops.
Preview wineries (look them up) before you go so you have an idea of how much their tastings cost, where you can picnic or find dinner, and so forth. Some wineries only have certain types of wines so you may either gravitate toward or away based on preferences. Finding out ahead of time whether or not certain wineries require reservations can save time and help with planning your day.
Making it Fun
Thankfully for all of us, some really creative (and obviously fun) people have created various games to play while wine tasting. On various search engines (you know I love some Pinterest!) you can find all kinds of activities, challenges, games to play while tasting wine. Scavenger hunts are fun but require a great deal of bravery in approaching strangers at time.
Insider Information
OK, I’m not really an insider. But I have been to a winery or two. And here’s what I have found.
There’s no right or wrong way to taste wine. Just taste it.
When you walk in, walk right up to the counter
Don’t tip
Buy wine (many times the tasting will be waived)
Pace yourself
Whether you are just looking forward to a fun outing or seeking out new wines to add to your repertoire (and wine rack), wine tasting can be one of the most relaxing and renewing activities out there. Make it your own by planning around your own interests and style!
Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!