It doesn't matter whether you enjoy a glass of wine at home with friends, in a restaurant or in a tasting room at a vineyard, there are a number of things that you should avoid doing. This will really help you, and those you are with, have an enjoyable experience.
Wine Tasting
You can enjoy a wine taster at a vineyard or even a local wine shop, either way the correct etiquette should be followed.
If you are going to be tasting a number of different types of wine you traditionally start with the white wines first. This is because white wines are lighter in both taste and body compared to red wine. After you have tasted the white wines you can then move onto the reds which are fuller bodied.
When holding your glass, make sure to grip the stem. If you hold the wine glass by the bowl, your hand will heat the wine. This could change the flavor.
Even the smallest details can change the flavour of wine. So make sure you don't wear any strong smelling perfumes which could mask or interfere with the bouquet.
Avoid eating heavily flavoured foods such as curries and don't smoke. Both these things will limit the flavours you'll taste in the wine.
Restaurant Wine Etiquette
When ordering wine with a meal in a restaurant make sure you select one which compliments your meal. When asking the server, or better yet the restaurants sommeliers, for a recommendation, be sure to be specific. Ask what wines compliment your dish and say whether you prefer full-bodied wines or wines from a specific region.
Once the wine has been selected and brought to the table, one of you should have a taste of it. A small amount will be poured and the taster will swirl it in the glass and have a sip. When approval is given, wine is poured starting on the right with women having their glasses filled first. The host's glass is topped off last.
Serving Wine To Guests at Home
Although you are in your own home, many of the same rules apply such as the way you hold a glass and the fact that women and older guest should be served first.
Select some wines which you think your guests will enjoy. Start with light white wines in the same way you do in a tasting room. Also select foods that will complement the wines such as cheese and fruit. Swiss, brie and Gouda go excellently well with white wine. Next move onto the red wines. Reds have a heavier body than whites. Select a red that goes well with your main dish if you are having a meal. If you are having a simple party, again, have cheeses that will bring out the flavor of the wine.
Finish off the evening with a sweet dessert wine. Port is a wonderful choice. Make sure you choose a dessert that will compliment it.
Wine Tasting
You can enjoy a wine taster at a vineyard or even a local wine shop, either way the correct etiquette should be followed.
If you are going to be tasting a number of different types of wine you traditionally start with the white wines first. This is because white wines are lighter in both taste and body compared to red wine. After you have tasted the white wines you can then move onto the reds which are fuller bodied.
When holding your glass, make sure to grip the stem. If you hold the wine glass by the bowl, your hand will heat the wine. This could change the flavor.
Even the smallest details can change the flavour of wine. So make sure you don't wear any strong smelling perfumes which could mask or interfere with the bouquet.
Avoid eating heavily flavoured foods such as curries and don't smoke. Both these things will limit the flavours you'll taste in the wine.
Restaurant Wine Etiquette
When ordering wine with a meal in a restaurant make sure you select one which compliments your meal. When asking the server, or better yet the restaurants sommeliers, for a recommendation, be sure to be specific. Ask what wines compliment your dish and say whether you prefer full-bodied wines or wines from a specific region.
Once the wine has been selected and brought to the table, one of you should have a taste of it. A small amount will be poured and the taster will swirl it in the glass and have a sip. When approval is given, wine is poured starting on the right with women having their glasses filled first. The host's glass is topped off last.
Serving Wine To Guests at Home
Although you are in your own home, many of the same rules apply such as the way you hold a glass and the fact that women and older guest should be served first.
Select some wines which you think your guests will enjoy. Start with light white wines in the same way you do in a tasting room. Also select foods that will complement the wines such as cheese and fruit. Swiss, brie and Gouda go excellently well with white wine. Next move onto the red wines. Reds have a heavier body than whites. Select a red that goes well with your main dish if you are having a meal. If you are having a simple party, again, have cheeses that will bring out the flavor of the wine.
Finish off the evening with a sweet dessert wine. Port is a wonderful choice. Make sure you choose a dessert that will compliment it.
Author: April Kerr
