Tasting Room Technique: Part I
"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together." ~Elizabeth Taylor
Ok Enthusiasts, maybe things aren't that drastic, but this was the most interesting quote I could find on pouring drinks (at least on short notice). You may ask, why is she talking about pouring drinks... well... get excited, because this blog post will be covering the tasting room experience!
Historically, I haven't been a big tasting room junkie. Blame it on my (generally unfounded) bias against East Coast wines, but if I wanted to drink wine, I would think wine bar over winery. I was so wrong! If you have the ability to visit a winery tasting room, I would highly recommend it! It's like visiting a wine bar where every. single. person. is passionate about the wine they are pouring. So in honor of the great experience I had in the tasting room recently, I share some tips on how to find the best tasting rooms! Then, I will cover some grapes you will likely see (and taste) at local tasting rooms in Pennsylvania.
Tasting Room Tips:
Every tasting room experience is different, but if the winery you visit hits on half these things, it will likely be a great place! (And worth a second visit!)
- Polite and knowledgeable staff. Back in the day, most wineries were staffed by the owners or family of the owners. Today, that is frequently impossible, but the tasting room staff should be as interested in the wine as family would be. Do I expect them to know the fermentation process, no. But they should be able to describe the wine with enthusiasm, they are sales people after all. (Even if you don't want to think so).
- No wine club pressure. No one likes a pushy salesperson.
- Crowd control. A crowd is great for business, but not for tasting wine. Every business has a busy time, the best tasting rooms will have a system to keep things moving.
- Have something for kids to do. I know, I know. Wine is an adult beverage and generally the kids should stay at home if possible. But, if a family does show up, the tasting room staff should be welcoming (maybe sell some sodas).
- Have something special behind the counter. The last winery I visited had hot mulled wine available for tasting in addition to the formal tasting list. It was a great surprise on the beautiful fall day
- Ask about special events. At most wineries, there is so much more to do besides just sample wine. Most wineries double as venues for special events and host their own events as well. I am talking pairing events with cupcakes, chocolate, pasta and more. Others have live music. Long story short, wineries are so fun and you need to visit one... now!
View of Winery
And now for the Grapes!
Time for the juicy stuff! (ha, pun intended!) This post was inspired by my recent trip to a local winery. As you can see from the picture above, it was a beautiful (and I mean beautiful) fall day. Then, randomly, a riding club decided to roll through and taste some wine themselves. So to celebrate this great day, I'm also going to cover the wines I tasted (in no particular order):
Sauvignon Blanc.
My favorite! The blog has covered SB by
and
as one of the
. So whats the moral of the story when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc? Herbaceous, cut grass, bell pepper and citrus. This Sauvignon Blanc did not disappoint featuring green fruit aroma and citrus flavors.
Chardonnay.
One of my favorite terms is "ABCer." meaning "anything but Chardonnay" drinker. I was surprised how many people I met at the winery that claimed to hate Chardonnay. I will admit, I am hesitant myself. I do not enjoy the buttery oak bombs of California. But this Chardonnay was great. Aged in French oak with a fruit finish. A subtle Chardonnay much like those of Burgundy.
White Merlot.
I love rose! But I usually drink rose from France, a much dryer style. But this Merlot wowed me. All the great subtlety and fruit flavors of the traditional red wine, but light body of a white wine. I would buy this in bulk if you see it in stores.
Chambourcin.
I was so excited to try this grape, from the
, we already know that it is the most successful PA variety. But what does it taste like?! Some writers say its a fruit bomb like Beaujolais, but this wine drank like a bright Pinot Noir. And it was delicious. Great wine for food.
Cabernet Franc.
I was surprised to see Cabernet Franc on its own, it is frequently blended with other grapes (most famously in the Bordeaux blend). This wine was earthy with a smokey finish.
You want to visit a winery now don't you... get going! Most are open year round and even sell fun cheese and local trinkets. Sounds like a much better place to visit on Black Friday then your local Target or Best Buy.
Cheers!