Visiting a winery can be intimidating! This can be especially true if you are anticipating the winery to ask you intense questions or expect you to know everything about wine. More than ever, it's much easier to find the perfect winery for you to visit - and spoiler alert, you do not need to know anything about wine to visit.
Step One | What types of wines do you enjoy?
If this question immediately turns you away from this post, or you answer, "I have no clue" - just start with the basics. Do you like white wines? Do you like red wines? Sweet wines? Or you really don't know and would like to try a variety of wines to figure it out - these are all important aspects in selecting a winery to visit.
All wineries are either located in a specific region or source grapes from specific regions. Why does that matter? Each region throughout the world grow specific types of wines (also known as varietals). It's important that you understand that aspect because some regions specialize in a limited number of varietals. For example, if you plan to visit Napa - the majority of wineries only make Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. If you do not like dry red wines, it might not be the best region or you need to find wineries in that area that offer wines outside of just Cabernet Sauvignon.
How do you know if the winery you are interested in has wines you might be interested in? You can look on their website or call to inquire about the wines on their tasting. It's okay to call - you won't sound dumb and the winery receives similar calls regularly.
Step Two | What type of experience are you looking for?
This should be answered with budget and intention in mind. Wineries make wine to then sell it to you. Your experience should have the intention to purchase the wines that you like.
Budget : $10 - $30
Intention : learning more about wine
Look for a local wine bar that offers complimentary or affortable tastings. Many of them will offer these once or twice per week. It's a great way to learn more about wines and wine regions.
Why wouldn't an actual winery be a good suggestion? The tasting fee alone might be over your budget.
Budget : $10 - $30
Intention : connecting with friend(s) or family member(s)
Again, a wine bar might be a better option. Wineries have stunning views or cozy tasting rooms, but the winery wants to connect with you and provide information about their winery and their wines. It might not be the best experience for you.
Many wineries cannot offer wine by the glass or the bottle, either due to permitting regulations or the operations of the winery. This budget will be a stretch to cover a tasting fee in certain wine regions.
Budget : Over $30
Intention : learning more about wine
Look or inquire about waiving the tasting fee. Many wineries will waive a tasting fee with a purchase or by joining the wine club. Once you narrow the winery list to those with approachable tasting fees and waiving, look at the bottle prices - if you visit the winery and love the wines, you want to make sure the bottles will be in your price range.
Read the experience descriptions from the winery - will you have someone talking with you about the wines and available to ask questions? Is there an opportunity to add any food elements?
Budget Over $30
Intention : connecting with friend(s) or family member(s)
If you are not interested in learning about the winery, the wines, or being interrupted very often - look for tastings that are pre-poured or describe being self-guided. You can also let the winery know in advance that you are more interested in a self-guided tasting or ask if they have pre-poured flight options.
In addition, look for wineries that allow you to enjoy wines by the glass or bottle after you have tasted a few. Check the bottle prices prior to visiting!
Step Three | Make a reservation
Making a reservation allows the winery to be fully prepared for your visit, and you often receive communication from the winery prior to your visit with any important information. This information could be : where to check-in, how long the experience will be, if dogs are allowed, if outside food is allowed, etc. This information allows you to be fully prepared for your visit.
FAQ before visiting wineries :
What do I need to wear?
The overwhelming majority of wineries do not have a dress code. If you are doing a vineyard tour, wear shoes that you could walk on dirt or grass with. The best advice is to wear what you would on a date.
What if I didn't make a reservation?
Look before you go. Some wineries do operate as reservation only, but try calling them prior to driving out and see if they have same-day availability. If you do not have a reservation, know that the winery may be full or offer to make a reservation later in the day.
Should I bring my kids?
Check before you go if the winery is family friendly. If the winery is family friendly, still keep an eye on your children and pack snacks and activities to keep them occupied during your visit. Working wineries can be dangerous for children that wander (tractors, forklifts, etc) and it's best practice to be respectful of other guest experiences. The table next to you could have found a babysitter and were looking forward to a kid-free experience.
Can I wander into the vines?
Unless the winery encourages you to do so, refrain from going into or near the vineyard. Vines can be easily impacted by you and it's really important you follow all rules set by the winery. Rules are only there to keep their vines, staff and guests safe.
What if I don't like the wine they poured?
Ask for a dump bucket, guests who are visiting multiple wineries or serious wine critics will often only take one or two sips and dump the remaining wine. Think about what you didn't enjoy about the wine : was it too dry? too sweet? a particular flavor? Try to nicely describe to your wine host the aspects you didn't enjoy. They will want to help you find a wine you do enjoy. Telling them what you didn't enjoy is just as helpful as what you do enjoy. Avoid : "that was really bad", "I did not care for that wine at all".
Have any other questions about visiting a winery? Drop it below!
Cheers.
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