Wine tasting is a true art. This goes beyond simply drinking wine to provide a compelling, multi-sensory experience, complete with distinct visuals, aromas, and, of course, flavors. If you’re new to wine tasting, however, this can feel overwhelming.
At the San Antonio Winery, we are committed to sharing the joy of wine tasting. Each curated tasting represents a unique journey, conveying passion with every pour. Keep these considerations in mind as you prepare for the ultimate wine-tasting experience.
Book a Tour or Hosted Tasting Experience
Why stumble through the tasting process on your own when you can learn from the experts? Wine tastings can be complicated, and without someone experienced to lead the way, you’ll miss many of the nuances that make fine wines so delightful.
For the ultimate introduction to wine tasting, make sure to book a hosted tasting experience. Focus on renowned locations such as Los Angeles’ number one winery, San Antonio Winery. Steward-led wine tastings are especially enjoyable. These curated experiences include tailored selections, often focused on different wine categories such as sweet wines, sparkling wines, or fine wines.
Practice the Five S’s
Stewards can guide the wine-tasting process, offering suggestions to help you savor each pour. Many touch on concepts such as the five S’s, which can transform wine tasting into a multi-sensory experience. The more you practice the five S’s, the more you’ll appreciate fine wines and all their nuances.
- See: Gaze at your wine and search for clues about its aromas and flavors. If possible, find a neutral background (such as a white tablecloth) to limit distractions. Observe the color of the wine, noting any variations. Consider how the light passes through the wine.
- Swirl: Now that you’ve fully embraced the appearance of your wine, it’s time to explore its aromas. This begins with swirling the wine. This oxygenates it and will intensify the aromas. Consider practicing your swirl in advance, as this can be trickier than it appears. When in doubt, place your thumb and fingers near the base of the stem and create small circles.
- Sniff: Once your wine has been properly swirled, you should be ready to discover its distinct aroma. Inhale deeply and observe the wine’s primary or secondary characteristics. The primary aromas involve floral or fruity notes, although some also promise spices. The secondary aromas relate to the fermentation process and could involve notes of yeast or buttery scents. Tertiary aromas develop as the wine ages and may be described as earthy or nutty.
- Sip: With the first three S’s covered, sipping will feel a lot more rewarding. That being said, sipping comes with its own special techniques. Swirl the wine around so it hits every part of the palate. Pay attention to the wine’s sweetness, acidity, and flavors.
- Savor: Arguably the most enjoyable part of the 5 S’s, savoring reveals the difference between simply drinking wine and actually tasting it. This begins with observing the wine’s finish: how long it lingers on the palate. Pay attention to the feelings the wine evokes. Think carefully about what you like or dislike, as this will help you choose wines in the future.
Cleanse Your Palate
You’ve enjoyed a truly remarkable pour and are eager to move on to the next variety. First, you’ll need to cleanse your palate. This prevents the previous wine from impacting your assessment of other varieties. Plain water usually does the trick, although some crackers or cheeses may help.
Get Curious
You’ll learn a great deal by practicing the 5 S’s, but there’s far more to discover. Take full advantage of your steward’s expertise as you deepen your understanding.
The right questions can make all the difference. Ask about the wine’s background, including special techniques used during the production process. Stewards can also offer excellent pairing suggestions, along with recommendations for similar wines.
Enjoy!
These suggestions can transform wine tasting into a powerful experience, but ultimately, there is no wrong way to enjoy wine. It all comes down to your unique preferences.
The most important aspect of wine tasting in Los Angeles is finding a winery that welcomes you with open arms. You’ll feel right at home as you explore San Antonio Winery. Plan your visit so you can learn more about Los Angeles’ winemaking history in the city’s oldest operating winery, San Antonio Winery.