Wine tasting has long been stereotyped as an activity associated with gastronauts and oenophiles, unbefitting for the average Joe. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Wine tasting events are cordial affairs that welcome connoisseurs and novices alike. So why not head to your local winery, broaden your palate, and sample unforgettable tipples? If you need a little convincing, here are some reasons to harness your inner bon vivant.
If you’re unaffiliated with the world of wine tasting, key buzzwords such as “bouquet” and “body” may not have a great deal of meaning. Listening to somebody describe the nature of a particular wine can often seem like a different language entirely. However, these descriptives are integral for identifying the varying components of different wines. Learning what these terms mean and how to apply them will help you understand more about the character of your beverage. A better understanding leads to a heightened appreciation. You may even learn about food and wine pairings so you can enhance the dining experience by balancing flavours and textures to perfection.
From grape to glass, there’s a lot that goes into the process of winemaking. Equal parts, an art and a science, the cultivation of grape varieties and fermenting them into a drink that is enjoyed worldwide is a ritual that has been practised by numerous cultures for thousands of years. Learning about this ancient process will allow you to appreciate your vino all the more. If your wine tasting experience takes place at a local vineyard, you might even be given the opportunity to assist part of the process!
Have you ever bought a bottle of wine, only to find that it doesn’t quite match your personal preference? Wine tasting events enable you to sample a wide variety of beverages without the commitment of purchasing an entire bottle. At the end of the session, you might have sampled one or two that have inspired you to buy, and if not, no money wasted. You could even tailor your wine sampling journey to varieties you’ve not previously given much time. Perhaps you’ve always been a drinker of red, and you’d like to find an exceptional rose wine to add to your reserve.
If a night out at a bar or club isn’t your idea of fun, a wine tasting event is a laid-back and convivial alternative where you can try something new. You could even book a session to commemorate a birthday, hen party, anniversary or anything else you wish to celebrate. Enjoying some superb wine varieties with your nearest and dearest is guaranteed to result in memories to last a lifetime.
If you feel as though you’re in a rut regarding your wine choices, you could find that learning more about your preferences will help you branch out. You might think you favour certain flavours and notes, only to surprise yourself by enjoying contrasting factors. Lovers of crisp, dry whites, such as Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc, may find a new appreciation for a jammy Pinot Noir or a sweet Spätlese Riesling. You might expand your horizons and surprise yourself.
Meeting unique and interesting participants makes a wine tasting experience all the more worthwhile. The sharing of opinions and preferences allows everybody to gain insight into one another’s world. Wine buffs are renowned for being colourful characters, so you might meet some extraordinary individuals. Making connections with new people is healthy for well-being and sociability; who knows, you could even up developing some lifelong friendships.
No matter where you are in the world, vineyards are invariably remarkable locations. Explore rolling acres of lovingly grown grape varieties and take in breathtaking views as you enjoy your surroundings with a glass of something special. Many view this experience as a privilege; you don’t even need to hop on a plane and travel to France or Italy for your vineyard adventure. The UK is home to some extraordinary wine tourism hotspots, such as Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire and Ryedale Vineyards, Yorkshire.