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Four Things To Know For Your First Wine Tour

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Wine tours give you a wonderful way to see the ins and outs of the wine-making industry, and they also give you a chance to sample some delicious wines. However, there are a few things you should know before you head to your first wine tasting to ensure you have a great experience. Here are some things to consider as you plan your trip.

Eating And Drinking

It's a good idea to have a meal before you head to your wine tour. Some tours might include cheeses or fruits for you to sample along with the wine, but this won't be enough to keep hunger at bay. Eating first also helps to prevent becoming intoxicated on small amounts of wine. You should also plan to bring bottled water with you. This gives you a way to cleanse your palate in between wines, and it also helps to keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated is particularly important if you will be visiting the vineyard during warm weather.

Proper Attire

While some wineries may have dress codes for some upscale tours, dressing comfortably is typically a good rule of thumb. Cozy walking shoes are ideal, particularly if you will be covering a lot of ground at the winery and vineyards. You may also want to bring layers, as the caves or basements where wine is stored can be much cooler than the temperatures outside near the actual vineyards. Wearing perfume or cologne is discouraged, as the scents can interfere with the overall tasting experience.

Sipping And Dumping

You may have seen people on television spitting out wine after they have tasted it. This process, also known as dumping, helps to prevent you from becoming intoxicated as you sample all of the different wines. The winery will typically offer buckets for this purpose, but remember that you can sip on a delicious wine without dumping. You can also pour out the remainder of a wine flight you are finished with if you so choose, but remember to do it politely to avoid the appearance of being rude.

Wine Purchases

Wineries sell the wines you are tasting on your tour, so don't be surprised if you are asked whether or not you want to take a bottle home with you. Be prepared with a budget of how much you can afford to buy, and remember to take notes during the tastings. This will help you to remember which vintages you liked the best so you can buy your favorites.

You can check the winery's website for specific information before you go on your tour. You may find other helpful tips for your visit as well as a price list of the most popular wines sold there. Do a little research before you go, and most importantly, have fun at your first winery tour.


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