Wine Tasting Etiquette: 4 Tips for Your Tasting
When staying at Tributary Hotel, many of our guests want to take full advantage of Oregon Wine Country by embarking on wine tastings at several of the region’s 700 plus wineries. Wine tastings are a great way to get a sense of an area’s grape varieties and expand your palette without having to commit to an entire glass or bottle. If you need help with planning a route or finding the best McMinnville wineries, our concierge team at Tributary is happy to assist with providing information and personalized itineraries during your stay.
What is Wine Tasting Etiquette?
Wine tastings can be a bit intimidating — expectations are not always clear and guests might worry about unspoken rules of "wine tasting etiquette.". Wine tasting etiquette refers to courteous practices that guide how to taste and appreciate wine respectfully. From holding the glass correctly to swirling and savoring each sip, these practices help guests fully experience the aromas and flavors while respecting the setting and the winemaker’s craft. Luckily, with a bit of research and preparation, you can have a seamless wine tasting experience.
What to Know Before Your Wine Tasting
Regardless of whether you’re planning for your first tasting or want a refresher on wine tasting etiquette, we’ve compiled a list of four tips to enhance your wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.
1. Plan Your Itinerary
Guests often ask us, “How many wineries can you fit in a day?”.
While we’ve seen wine lovers visit as many as five wineries in a day, most are comfortable with two to three tasting rooms - especially with a wine-paired dinner in the evening.
Luckily, the Willamette Valley is home to multiple wineries in close proximity to each other and several just 30 minutes away from Tributary Hotel, making it easy to schedule multiple tastings in a day. When building your itinerary, be sure to review the expected tasting time on each winery’s website to give yourself enough time between sites.
If you have the time, planning a multi-day visit focusing on select American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) each day is the most efficient way to plan your tasting itinerary. Multiple-day itineraries allow guests to taste how much soil and location impact the wine and explore a variety of wineries, from big-name tasting rooms to boutique-style hidden gems.
2. Book a Reservation
Another common question our team receives from guests is “How far in advance should you make a wine tasting reservation?”.
For a successful wine tasting excursion, guests should book a reservation in advance, ideally two to four weeks ahead of time. While most wineries accept tasting appointments online (either directly through their website or via booking sites like Tock), via email, or by telephone, our Tributary team and concierge can curate the ideal itinerary based on your tastes and preferences.
Since the onset of COVID-19, by-appointment-only tastings have become standard and walk-ins aren't widely accepted unless you're a wine club member at specific wineries. However, waitlists are often available in the event of cancellations and guests can call in advance to ask if wineries take walk-ins, particularly if you are traveling alone. Because of this shift to appointment-only tastings, it is important for guests to be respectful of winery employees and fellow guests and show up on time.
3. Do Your Research
In order to guarantee a stress-free wine tasting, be sure to do your research ahead of time — you don’t want to get caught off-guard with unexpected tasting fees or policies. Tasting fees vary and some wineries may have a minimum purchase requirement in order to experience a tasting. It’s not uncommon for small production wineries to require three bottles, or even a case, as a purchase requirement prior to tasting. Additionally, understanding wine tasting tipping etiquette is helpful - many guests choose to tip as a gesture of appreciation, especially if they've received exceptional service or guidance during their visit.
If you’re planning on bringing children or dogs along for a tasting, be sure to check the winery’s policies beforehand. While some wineries may be family-friendly and/or pet-friendly, the tasting bar may not be the best place for fidgety children (either two- or four-legged) and guests should use their own discretion.
4. Set Aside Time For Lunch
A key guideline is to stay within one AVA and include a lunch option while exploring wine country. Sticking to one AVA limits drive time and will save you time going from location to location. Many wineries offer chef-prepared food and wine pairing experiences or on-site picnicking, so you can pack a cooler before your adventures. Perhaps most importantly, remember to stay hydrated!
Let Tributary Hotel Plan Your Wine Tasting Excursion
During your stay at our luxury boutique inn, our dedicated team and concierge would love to curate your ideal wine tasting itinerary based on your individual preferences. Book your stay in charming downtown McMinnville today!
