Tasting Room Etiquette 101-  just be nice

Don’t Wear Perfume to a Tasting Room.

Although lovely, perfume is a no-no, likewise cologne.  It’s challenging to appreciate a wine’s complexity while laboring under the heady influence of Snookie’s “Breath of Jersey” or  Britany Spears’ new scent, “Bye-Curious.”  Frankly, it’s just not fair to the wine.

Say This not That.

This:  This chardonnay tastes like old gym socks, yuck! 

That:  It’s not my style, I prefer less oak.  (or at least, “this tastes like new gym socks…”)

This:  I hate all whites. 

That:  I’m looking for reds today.  (It’s less racist to say it this way too, right?)

This:  Do you charge for tastings?  (This creates the impression that you want a free tasting because you are out for a day of fun with no intention of buying wine.)

That:  What is the tasting fee, I’m looking for pinot?  (This creates an atmosphere where the employee might offer you a free tasting—because he hopes you might buy some pinot.)

Find Something Nice to Say.  (even if you don’t like any of the wines)

Nice:  What a pretty label.

Nice:  Look at the color on this zinfandel.

Nice:  Where are your vineyards?

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome.

Most tasting rooms close around 5pm, so if you arrive at 4:50, you should leave by 5pm.  This rule is especially true, if you don’t plan on buying any wines.  Most employees are not paid for staying late, so it might seem rude to you, but they don’t want to work for free.  (We’ve tried to get them to work for free, but they refuse—so selfish!)  It’s a different story, if the owners are in the tasting room.  Most owners will add a 15 or 20 minute extension—longer for multiple case buyers.  Multiple case buyers are always welcome at Hauck Cellars!

Glass Rinsing.

Only rinse your glass with water when you are switching from white wine to red wine, or vice-versa.  It isn’t necessary to rinse between samples of reds or samples of whites unless the previous wine was particularly aromatic, acidic, or smelled like mold, windex, sweat sox, or cat spray.  BTW, too much rinsing waters down the wine.

When in Doubt, Pour it Out.

If you don’t like a particular wine or you are finished with your sample, simply empty it into the vessel on the counter.  No need to explain.  If you feel you must say something, just say something like:  I’ve got a big day ahead; I’m driving; or what’s the next wine?