There’s no wrong way to enjoy a glass of wine. There are, however, ways to help you fully appreciate the complexities of each flavor. Wine tasting is a palate-pleasing activity whether you’re in the comfort of your home or on a winery tour. Here are some tips to make the most of your next vino experience.

How to Taste Wine

1. Eat During Your Tasting

Most wine tasting events choose the portions very carefully, so don’t worry about getting intoxicated before you’ve tasted all the offerings. Eating food during the journey, however, is recommended. Cheese platters are popular options. The savory flavors and creamy textures pair well with most varieties of wine and can open your palate to the fullness of the drink.

2. Swirl Your Glass & Breathe Deeply

Aside from simply looking neat, swirling your chosen drink before taking a sip is an important element of wine tasting. The motion makes the drink more oxygenated, which helps it open its flavors and aroma.

Swirling is the first of a two-step process. After giving your wine a good spin, bring the rim of the glass to your nose and inhale. The freshly oxygenated liquid will burst with a strong scent. This itself is pleasing, and it enhances a sip of what’s to come by giving your palate a preview.

3. Ask Questions

Unless you’re a world-famous sommelier, no one will expect you to know the ins and outs of tannins and bouquets during your experience. If you participate in a tasting event at a winery, take the opportunity to learn! If you think you smell blackberries with a hint of autumn leaves, ask away. The guide is happy to tell you more about the wine you’re tasting and the winery itself. You should also feel free to ask for clarification about any jargon or information you don’t understand the first time around. The more you learn, the better your next wine tasting experience will be.

If you want to learn more about the complexities of wine, head to OENO Winemaking in Kailua, HI. With more than 150 varieties produced with the “Beaujolais Nouveau” technique using raw ingredients from Hawaii, the selection is a delight for wine tasting newbies and veterans alike. For more information on the winemaking process, to book a tasting, or to join the Wine Club, call (808) 263-6366 or visit the website today.