Alcohol: Wine Country Tours
Winery tours throughout Northern Californias famed wine country have become something of a rite of passage for many California visitors. With its lush landscapes, fragrant vineyards and abundant tasting rooms, Napa Valley is an essential stop for any guest to the San Francisco area. Granted, for visitors who are dilettantes of wine tasting, Napa can seem a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, Im here to offer a few pointers.
Wine Country Tour Etiquette
Before you decide to hit Napa Valleys famed tasting rooms, youd be wise to brush up on some standard tasting etiquette. In Napa, a little wine knowledge goes a long way and can enable you to get the most out of the experience. The first thing you should know about wine tasting is that the olfactory senses play a role as important (if not more so) than that of the taste buds. That being said, the first thing you should do after being poured a sample is to stick your nose inside the glass and inhale.
When smelling wine, it is important not to over-think things. Too often, people feel the need to sniff the spirit numerous times in order to get a sense of the aroma. Dont make this mistake. Take one long inhalation (with your nose as close to the liquid as possible) and take note of everything that comes to mind. After a few tastes, youll find that this nasal free-association truly helps in discovering and deciphering different wine flavors.
Keep notes of the wines you like and dislike. This will help you discover your personal wine preference. Above all, be conservative in your tasting. There are literally hundreds of wineries in Napa Valley, so pace yourself. If you find yourself getting light headed, either stop tasting or use a spit bowl so that you dont continue to become inebriated. Remember that Napa Valley is about tasting. . .not getting hammered. A light buzz is okay, but anything beyond that renders your taste buds useless and tends to irritate winery staff and other guests.