If you’re new to the world of wine and aren’t sure which kinds you prefer, attend a tasting at a winery. That way, you can try a variety without blowing your budget buying full bottles. The more tastings you attend, the better sense you’ll have of which wines interest you. If you haven’t attended one before, use the guide below to understand what you should expect.

Commonly Asked Questions About Wine Tasting

What is the tasting process?

If it’s your first time at a wine tasting, you might end up mimicking more experienced attendees—swirling your glass and swishing the wine around in your mouth—without really knowing what you’re doing. However, the process is pretty simple.

Start by examining the wine, noting its color and consistency. Swirl the glass to aerate the wine, and breathe through your nose to gather the scents. Then, take a sip, noting how it tastes as you move it across all portions of your tongue.

What if I’m worried about getting drunk?

Whether you have to drive to another event later or you just want to limit your alcohol intake, it’s reasonable to wonder how much a wine tasting will affect you.

If you’re attending a large tasting, the winery might provide spittoons so that you can spit the wine out, limiting your alcohol intake. At smaller tastings, request smaller pours and restrict yourself to no more than four glasses.

What flavors am I tasting?

Picking out the individual notes within a wine can be difficult for a new aficionado, but there are a few simple ways to start differentiating Chardonnay from Chianti, for example. As you’re moving the wine around your mouth, note how it feels.

Does the liquid feel thin or substantial? Does it immediately have sharp notes, or does it have a more mellow flavor? How acidic is it? Consider common tasting notes, such as caramel, nuts, red fruit, oak, and chocolate.

What do all these terms mean?

The wine community has its own lexicon of terms to refer to a wide number of factors that impact each wine differently. “Terroir” refers to the unique geological and environmental factors, such as soil composition and weather, that impact wine grapes’ flavors.

“Tannins” are astringent compounds in wines that are responsible for making your mouth feel dry when you drink tannin-heavy red wines. The “finish” is your lasting impression of the wine—the lingering aftertaste after swallowing.

With these answers in mind, you’re ready to attend your first wine tasting. Book yours at Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston, IL. They’re proud to produce a range of their own wines in Silent Forest. They also offer seasonal, locally sourced food, and they have a banquet hall and patio for hosting events like wedding receptions. Learn more about the winery on their website, and call (618) 228-9111 to discuss your event or book a reservation.