how do things work at a winery?

Question

I've consiered going but don't know what to expect, obviously a lot of wine! but how does it work? Do you go up to a bar and they have small taste testers? is it a restaurant? are you expected to pay for a certain amount of bottles? Is there usually a charge for each wine taste? Do they give you something like dry biscuits and or cheese with it?....sorry for all the questions but I would appreciate any information. Thanks :-)

Answer 1

When you go wine tasting, some wineries charge a small fee (like $2) for a tasting. Many will reimburse you if you buy a bottle of wine.

There is usually a bar, and sometimes they like to go in a certain order, sometimes you can just tell them which wines you would like to try. They come as about a 1 or 2 oz. taster in a wine glass.

If you do not like the wine, or for some other reason do not want to finish your pour, there are bowls to pour the rest of your wine into, and pitchers of water for a rinse. I would only rinse if going from white to red, or from red to dessert.

Normally they will have crackers, pretzels, or breads to cleanse the pallet between tastings.

All wineries are different, just like people. Some are snobs, others are outgoing and personable.

When I go, I only drink red, I request to skip the whites, because I know I do not like them. Sometimes this offends the barkeeper, but hey, I know what I like.

Do not feel obligated to buy if you do not like the wine. Just pleasantly thank them and depart.

If you do want to buy, you can usually buy any amount you want, buy they may give discounts if you buy by the case. And, you can normally get a mixed case, so your not stuck with just one type of wine.

Don't fall for the parlor tricks like smelling a lemon, or tasting chocolates. That works for most kinds of wine. Try to taste the wine pure. That's the only way you'll know if you truly like the flavor.

I hope that helped. I go wine tasting every year, and make my own wine, so I like to think I know what I am talking about.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Every winery is a little different. Some charge, some don't. Some have different types of tastings (regular, premium, etc.) Some have a bar-like setup, some have a table in the back of the warehouse. Some serve crackers, some just water.
Honestly, half the fun is just going, following the signs (or asking the first person you see) and experiencing what they have to offer.
There are places that have live jazz in the tasting room, places that is more like a gift shop with a counter in the back where the wine is sampled. Some places are like the person's garage (maybe bigger) and others are like you just stepped into a castle. Some have restaurants also, or maybe a little bistro. There really is a wide variety. Either way, go no matter what. You really will enjoy the experience whatever the atmosphere. Bigger places will have dedicated tasting room staff. Smaller places may have the actual winemaker serving the tastings...those are nice because you get a feel for the person behind the wine...I like that kind of personal interaction.

There is no expectation to buy any of the wines, though I try to make a point of buying at least one bottle of the one I like best...sometimes more, sometimes none at all. If you don't like it, by no means feel pressured to buy any.

Either way, approach it like you're exploring...in essence you really are. Once you get past the first winery, it gets easier. The first time is always memorable regardless of what happens. I have learned through experience that my limit is 4 wineries in a day.

Cheers!

Answer 3

When you do a tasting at a winery first you pay your whatever... like normally $25 for a big one and like $10 for a small... then they give you a glass.... Then you go up to a table and there will be alot of wines sitting out to be tasted... the person behind the table will pour you about a shot of wine to taste... and there will be a price list and what not.... so you can buy whatever you want... and durring the tasting they have appatizers and what not to snack on so you dont get tooo wasted... and tastings are normally held at the Winery or at major resturaunts.... or at a wine store.... if you have any questions let me know... i work at a wine store.. so just send me an email or im me.... hope i was of some help for ya!!

Answer 4

At one of our local wineries, you can browse a wine list, choose the ones you want to taste..(It used to be, you could try them all, but I believe it has been reduces to 3 or 4 samples due to the new Blood Alcohol limits). They pour you a sample in a glass, and have small baskets of crackers to eat with, and in between your tasting to "cleanse" your palate before your next sample. At most wineries these samples are free. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Some wineries also have days they conduct tours...if you get the chance go to one, they are very interesting. Have fun!!