Do vs. Don’t? @ClosPegase

If you’re planning a trip to Napa or Sonoma, you’re in for a treat. These world-renowned wine regions are famous for their scenic beauty, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned wine enthusiast, knowing a few key rules of wine tasting etiquette can enhance your experience. Here’s a quick guide on what to do—and what to avoid—during your next wine-tasting tour in California’s wine country.

The Do’s

1. Plan Your Visit

Before heading out, research the wineries you want to visit and make reservations where required. Napa and Sonoma are home to both intimate boutique vineyards and large, historic estates, and many of them have appointment-only policies, especially for tastings or tours. Booking ahead ensures you have a spot and a smooth, enjoyable experience.

2. Stay Hydrated and Eat

Wine tastings can involve several pours, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Sip water between tastings to cleanse your palate and avoid dehydration. Equally important, don’t show up on an empty stomach. Many wineries offer food pairings or have nearby eateries—take advantage of these to keep your energy up and your palate sharp.

3. Use the Spit Bucket

While it might feel strange at first, the spit bucket is there for a reason! Professional tasters often spit out wine after tasting so they can evaluate multiple wines without becoming inebriated. If you’re visiting several wineries, pacing yourself by using the spit bucket is a smart move.

4. Ask Questions

Wineries love educating visitors about their wines, the winemaking process, and the history of their vineyards. Don’t be shy! Ask about the different grape varietals, the vineyard’s terroir, or how a particular wine was made. You’ll find your wine-tasting experience far more enriching and engaging.

5. Hire a Designated Driver

Wine country is best enjoyed with peace of mind, and that’s why hiring a designated driver, like those at Destination Drivers, is a must. Having a knowledgeable, professional driver allows you to fully savor your tasting experiences without worrying about getting behind the wheel.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Wear Heavy Perfume or Cologne

Wine tasting is a sensory experience, and strong fragrances can interfere with your ability to pick up on the subtleties in the wine’s aroma. Be mindful of others and avoid wearing strong scents that could affect your own or others’ tasting experiences.

2. Don’t Rush the Experience

Wine tasting is meant to be savored. Don’t rush through the process—take time to enjoy each sip and notice the wine’s flavors and aromas. Rushing through a tasting not only shortchanges your experience but may also come across as disrespectful to the winery staff who have carefully curated the tasting.

3. Don’t Overindulge

While the idea of sipping wine in beautiful surroundings might make you want to try everything, overindulging can lead to a poor experience. Know your limits, and make use of water, snacks, and spit buckets to help pace yourself.

4. Don’t Haggle or Critique the Wine

Wineries put a lot of effort into crafting their wines, and price points are generally set for a reason. Avoid negotiating prices or offering unsolicited critiques on the quality of the wine. If you didn’t enjoy a particular bottle, it’s fine—simply move on to the next.

5. Don’t Skip the Small Wineries

While Napa and Sonoma boast famous, large-scale wineries, some of the most memorable experiences can be found at smaller, family-owned vineyards. These hidden gems often provide a more intimate and unique tasting experience that large operations can’t match.

6. Don’t Tolerate Poor Service

This is your experience! You’ve been looking forward to it, put time into planning, maybe even traveled long distances and spent considerable money to come share a wonderful experience with friends or family. While wineries in Napa and Sonoma are dedicated to providing a stellar experience for their guests, sometimes staff or experiences don’t live up to your expectations. Say something. Let the management know. You deserve to be treated to a special experience. We tell our guests, “If you are not happy with the experience, speak up so they can correct things. And, if you aren’t comfortable speaking up, let your driver know right away. Send them a text and ask for them to assist. Either our driver will find a manager to speak to or he’ll let our head office know immediately and they will call the winery and see what can be done to rectify the situation at once.”  We are always there for you, our guests, to make sure you have the best experience possible.