If you’re new to the world of wine, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Between floral flavors, nutty notes, and oaky finishes, you may quickly find yourself in over your head. Fortunately, for those who still confuse chardonnay with cabernet, Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar of Lakeville, Minnesota, is here to simplify your journey into the wondrous world of wine. Below, they offer some helpful pointers for getting started with your first wine tasting.

What to Look for When You Begin Wine Tasting

How to Taste Wine

Most beverages require nothing more of you than to pick them up and take a swig. However, wine is not most drinks. It is delicately nuanced and full of delicious subtleties. In fact, many consider wine tasting to be an art form. Instead of relying on your tongue to do the legwork as you would with other drinks, start your wine tasting with your nose, the pathway to your taste buds. Once you give the wine a good sniff, you can detect and isolate the distinct flavors that make up the wine.

How to Read a Wine Label

If you’ve never looked at a wine label before, it can seem a bit confusing. Although labels will have their own minor variations depending on whether they are of the “old wine” or “new wine” variety, most will tell you the region the wine is from, the grape variety, and the year in which it was bottled. As you get to know your favorite wines, make a mental note of where they’re from and what they’re made of.

How to Purchase Wine

When you’re selecting a bottle to buy, consider what varieties are most appealing to you. A wine tasting is the perfect opportunity to sample wines of various varieties and learn what you like. First, determine your preference for red, white, or rose, then delve deeper from there to determine if you prefer a dry wine or one of the sweeter, fruitier varieties.

How to Keep Wine Fresh

Once you’ve taken your bottle home, make sure it stays fresh upon uncorking. Keep in mind that once your wine comes into contact with the air, it starts spoiling. Prevent spoilage by using a vacuum pump to remove excess air, or at least replace the cork immediately after pouring.

Once you have a basic understanding of some key wine principles, the tasting process will be much more enjoyable. With locations in Farmington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Prior Lake, Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar is an excellent place to acclimate yourself to the joys of wine tasting. Give them a call at (952) 985-7650 to arrange for catering, or visit their website to learn more about wine flights, delicious craft beer, and unique varieties of flavored coffee.