Are you planning on visiting some wineries during your next vacation? Here are some DO's and DON'TS:
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DO call ahead to find out if you need an appointment for your group. While many wineries are open to the public, there are many that only take visits by appointment. A quick call or a visit to the winery's website should clear this up. Also, if you are traveling with a large group, do make an appointment. Planning is key, especially if you are in a foreign country or want to visit smaller wineries that don't operate formal tasting rooms.
- DON'T wear strong perfumes or colognes which can ruin the tasting experience for you and your companions.
- DON'T show up intoxicated. Winery tasting rooms are not permitted to serve patrons that appear intoxicated. So, please pace yourself if you have a long day of tasting. Drink lots of water, and make sure you eat something!
- DO make use of the spittoon or dump bucket provided. Although you may be self-conscious about spitting, it is essential during a long day of tasting if you are driving or trying to keep a clear head.
- DON'T make loud comments such as "I hate Chardonnay" when offered a taste of a particular wine. If you don't care to taste all of the wines offered, politely decline. Also, it is rude to make derogatory comments about the wine in front of other guests of the tasting room, so if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. Critiquing the wine in a pretentious way (such as calling it "unbalanced") will not earn you any friends.
- DON'T be pretentious. No one cares how much you know and questions and comments that are clearly designed to show off your wine knowledge will turn everyone around you off and cause them to snicker behind your back.
- DO ask questions about the wine, the winery's history, the winemaker's philosophy. Staff at tasting rooms will appreciate thoughtful and sincere questions about their winery. And it may inspire them to pull out something special from behind the counter, such as a special vintage bottle that is not normally available for tasting.
- If you like the wine, DO buy a bottle or two. Don't feel obligated to buy the wine if you don't like it. Most wineries charge a tasting fee, but if the winery offers you a complimentary tasting or gives you exceptional service, I think it is nice to purchase something.
Do you have other Do's and Don'ts? Please mention them in the comments below!
