When you visit a Winery...

I have to remind myself that not everyone has had the pleasure of visiting a winery. Yet it is clear to me that many people need a bit of guidance in the proper etiquet of wine tasting. Just like your Mama taught you to chew with your mouth closed, there are "rules" to follow at the tasting room.

While it might be a bit redundant, let's start with the fact that you are in a "tasting" room. I never lecture on how to drink wine: Everyone can Drink wine. Tasting wine is another story. Lots of people have never "tasted" wine. The short story is simple: Slow down enough to investigate the wine. (For a more detailed outline of tasting visit my Wine Tasting 101 web page.)

Unless you've set up a private tasting, remember that you must share the attention of the pourer (winemaker?) with others in the room. I've seen too many people who have planted themselves at the tasting bar like they own the place. First rule: If there are others in the room, share the bar. Step back and let others in for a taste. Diane and I have let others in, only to have them dominate the bar, with us having to reach over them to get the next taste. They seem oblivious to our example!

Next. Ask questions. How was the wine aged? Is it a blend? Remember, you are there to really get to know the wines.

Finally, while there are many tricks in between, you should show your appreciation for the hard work it takes to produce the wine, by buying a bottle or more. Keep in mind that all of the wineries in the Umpqua Valley are family owned, and no one is rolling in the dough. They need your support. While you may pay a little more for the wine in the tasting room vs. on the self at the Supermarket, it's that personal exchange and knowledge that you are allowing the wineries to be open for you to enjoy a pleasant afternoon in the countryside that makes the difference.

In Europe, you are expected to make a purchase. And if we can pony-up a 20% tip to even the rudest of waiters with out blinking an eye, then we need to learn to be gracious and buy some wine!