So you’re new to wine tasting! Why not consider going on a wine tour?
Years ago, wine tours were geared for the elite in society. That is no longer the case. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, wine tasting is suited for everyone. It is a great way to learn about wine, or try something new.
The first thing to decide on is what area you want to going tasting in. There are so many wineries throughout the world, with many to choose from. Consider Temecula Valley, which is located in Riverside County in Southern California. This region, which is south of Los Angeles by 45 minutes, and north of San Diego is quickly becoming a must do in the area. It is close by and offers over 30 wineries!
If you live out of the area, consider staying in a local hotel, and plan on wine tasting one day and exploring the area the following day.
When planning your wine tour make sure to have a designated driver. No matter what, consider the consequences of driver while under the influence. Even though you may not intend on drinking too much, your judgment becomes impaired. The mere fact that you are endangering everyone on the road should be a sobering consideration. (The cost of a DUI is devastating both financially and remains on your DMV for years to come)
Consider hiring a Wine Tour company to go on a wine tour with. They know the area, and can enhance your day.
If you do go with a Wine Tour company, do your research. Consider this, do you want to go to pre-determined wineries and stay on their schedule? Or would you prefer a wine tour company that allows you to ‘chart your own course’ while reviewing their information on all of the wineries? Your wine tour will enhance your knowledge and allow you to explore a world that you will soon love! There are two types of tours. One is guided, going with a large group and visiting designated wineries. The second is one allowing you more freedom and choice. One consideration is you are learning and want to be able to ask numerous questions and learn as much as possible. A smaller, personalized wine tour may be the right choice for you. The vintners often are available to answer questions and guide you through the learning experience. They have expert staff, who given a smaller party, can take the time to teach you all about wine tasting. With a larger party, you often get lost in the crowd and have to wait until someone else asks the question. Then it is time to leave to visit the next winery.
Vineyards generally allow 4-6 oz of wine as samplers. You will taste several wines, so keep that in mind when sampling. Make sure that you take it slow and enjoy your day. This is not about getting to as many wineries as you can. It is about enjoying the wine and making it a memorable experience.
Should you visit large wineries or smaller ones? You can learn a wealth of information from both. The size of the winery is a personal preference. The larger winery’s often have a wider selection. The larger wineries often have award winning wines, although don’t strictly go by the awards. The smaller wineries may have a phenomenal wine that you may overlook if you miss visiting them.
Consider making a reservation for lunch or dinner out in wine country. What better way to have the proper food paring, than by the experts themselves? Temecula Wine Country offers an array of restaurants from the casual dining, to the elegant fare. You can do your research on line, prior to visiting wine country and find out more about the area and what it has to offer.
Keep a record or log of your experience. Write down the wine and characteristics that you have observed. Before you take another wine tour, refer back to your previous records. This will help you to build on your knowledge. Make notations of wines that you particularly enjoy and note why.
If you discover a winery that you absolutely love, ask to join their wine club. You can get information from the individual winery whether or not their wine club is open, along with the details on how to join.
Finally, consider taking some wine home with you. Wines are available from the vintner and you should plan of purchasing some from the winery. The smaller wine tour companies often allow you to purchase wine and put it in the vehicle with you. That way, you can enjoy it at a later date.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
15 Tips to help Make Your Wine Tour Enjoyable
Back in 1983, a friend suggested we go wine tasting. Since I had never been, I jumped at the chance. Curiosity and the idea that trying something different sounded like a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. She volunteered to drive. I agreed simply because I was new to the area and had no idea where all of the wineries were located. The first winery was great, we met the vintner and he explained briefly how to taste numerous wines, while trying to appreciate them all. By the third winery, we were getting a little tipsy. I realized that maybe my designated driver, who was also drinking, was getting a little too tipsy. At the fourth winery, we both agreed to grab a bite to eat and call a friend to come and get us. I learned a great deal from my new found adventure.
If you are considering taking a wine tasting tour, follow these simple tips, to make the most of your experience.
1- Select an area or region that you are interested in exploring. Temecula Valley has numerous wineries, many of them offering Award Winning wines. Since most of the wineries are close together, you can plan to visit a few wineries in a single day.
2- Find out if you need reservations for tasting. Some wineries may require them, particularly on week ends or busy Holidays.
3-If you live out of the area, consider staying in a local hotel, and plan on wine tasting one day and exploring the area the following day.
4- Make sure to have a designated driver. No matter what, consider the consequences of driver while under the influence. Even though you may not intend on drinking too much, your judgment becomes impaired. The mere fact that you are endangering everyone on the road should be a sobering consideration. (The cost of a DUI is devastating both financially and remains on your DMV for years to come)
5- Consider hiring a Wine Tour company to go on a wine tour with. They know the area, and can enhance your day.
6- If you do go with a Wine Tour company, do your research. Consider this, do you want to go to pre-determined wineries and stay on their schedule? Or would you prefer a wine tour company that allows you to ‘chart your own course’ while reviewing their information on all of the wineries?
7- Consider going with a smaller group party. Oftentimes, in larger groups, you may not get the intimate attention. Too large of a party may not allow you to ask the questions that you want to know the answers to. It also slows your wine tasting down a bit.
8- Large wineries or smaller ones? You can learn a wealth of information from both. The size of the winery is a personal preference. The larger winery’s often have a wider selection. The smaller ones however, may have a phenomenal wine that you may overlook if you miss visiting them.
9- Make sure that you take it slow and enjoy your day. This is not about getting to as many wineries as you can. It is about enjoying the day and making it a memorable experience.
10- Take along snacks or a picnic lunch. Temecula Wineries offer many areas to relax and enjoy a bite to eat. Not only does this keep you from getting too tipsy, you can also take in the beautiful surroundings, while you plan for the next winery. Another option is to purchase a loaf of fresh bread or a light snack from the many restaurants.
11- Consider making a reservation for lunch or dinner out in wine country. What better way to have the proper food paring, than by the experts themselves? Temecula Wine Country offers an array of restaurants from the casual dining, to the elegant fare.
12-Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Room temperature is preferred to cleanse the pallet.
13- If you live outside of the area, make sure that the alcohol has worn off before you drive home. Consider getting dinner and taking time to sober up.
14- Keep a record of your experience. Write down the wine and characteristics that you have observed. Before you take another wine tour, refer back to your previous records. This will help you to build on your knowledge.
15- Consider taking some wine home with you. The smaller wine tour companies often allow you to purchase wine and put it in the vehicle with you. That way, you can enjoy it at a later date.
-Plan your day so that you can drink, and be smart about it.
If you are considering taking a wine tasting tour, follow these simple tips, to make the most of your experience.
1- Select an area or region that you are interested in exploring. Temecula Valley has numerous wineries, many of them offering Award Winning wines. Since most of the wineries are close together, you can plan to visit a few wineries in a single day.
2- Find out if you need reservations for tasting. Some wineries may require them, particularly on week ends or busy Holidays.
3-If you live out of the area, consider staying in a local hotel, and plan on wine tasting one day and exploring the area the following day.
4- Make sure to have a designated driver. No matter what, consider the consequences of driver while under the influence. Even though you may not intend on drinking too much, your judgment becomes impaired. The mere fact that you are endangering everyone on the road should be a sobering consideration. (The cost of a DUI is devastating both financially and remains on your DMV for years to come)
5- Consider hiring a Wine Tour company to go on a wine tour with. They know the area, and can enhance your day.
6- If you do go with a Wine Tour company, do your research. Consider this, do you want to go to pre-determined wineries and stay on their schedule? Or would you prefer a wine tour company that allows you to ‘chart your own course’ while reviewing their information on all of the wineries?
7- Consider going with a smaller group party. Oftentimes, in larger groups, you may not get the intimate attention. Too large of a party may not allow you to ask the questions that you want to know the answers to. It also slows your wine tasting down a bit.
8- Large wineries or smaller ones? You can learn a wealth of information from both. The size of the winery is a personal preference. The larger winery’s often have a wider selection. The smaller ones however, may have a phenomenal wine that you may overlook if you miss visiting them.
9- Make sure that you take it slow and enjoy your day. This is not about getting to as many wineries as you can. It is about enjoying the day and making it a memorable experience.
10- Take along snacks or a picnic lunch. Temecula Wineries offer many areas to relax and enjoy a bite to eat. Not only does this keep you from getting too tipsy, you can also take in the beautiful surroundings, while you plan for the next winery. Another option is to purchase a loaf of fresh bread or a light snack from the many restaurants.
11- Consider making a reservation for lunch or dinner out in wine country. What better way to have the proper food paring, than by the experts themselves? Temecula Wine Country offers an array of restaurants from the casual dining, to the elegant fare.
12-Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Room temperature is preferred to cleanse the pallet.
13- If you live outside of the area, make sure that the alcohol has worn off before you drive home. Consider getting dinner and taking time to sober up.
14- Keep a record of your experience. Write down the wine and characteristics that you have observed. Before you take another wine tour, refer back to your previous records. This will help you to build on your knowledge.
15- Consider taking some wine home with you. The smaller wine tour companies often allow you to purchase wine and put it in the vehicle with you. That way, you can enjoy it at a later date.
-Plan your day so that you can drink, and be smart about it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Good Times to Experience During Tough Economic Times.
Recently, I updated all on the Vintners in Temecula Valley. I compile information on what types of wines they serve, and their specialties. Also, I list any award winning wines they may have. This is something I do annually. Talking to them, visiting their web sites and strolling through the wineries. I provide this information to customers who are going wine tasting using Executive VIP for the tours. This year, I was amazed to see how many had ‘made it’ in receiving awards for their wines. I felt a strong sense of pride, knowing that these wineries are here in my region. Wineries that are so close-and so affordable.
I took along a picnic. There are so many picnic areas to choose from, but I selected a quiet get away with picnic tables out in front. I was able to enjoy a bite to eat, and take in the scenery. I highly recommend this to avoid getting too tipsy!
After enjoying my afternoon of wine tasting and taking in the beauty of the valley, I realized how affordable the day had been. Upon my return home, I felt refreshed and relaxed. It was as though I had been on vacation, a mere twenty minutes from Temecula. The entire experience was light on my wallet too. Most of the wine tastings average ten dollars for three to six different wines. A few are higher and a few lower.
Many of the wineries have such a pleasant staff greeting customers. They made me feel welcomed and at home. They explained things if I asked them questions. I learned an awful lot.
Monday morning arrived and I realized that it was as though I had been away for a week long vacation. The reality was, I was gone for five hours.
I can’t wait to go back again.
I took along a picnic. There are so many picnic areas to choose from, but I selected a quiet get away with picnic tables out in front. I was able to enjoy a bite to eat, and take in the scenery. I highly recommend this to avoid getting too tipsy!
After enjoying my afternoon of wine tasting and taking in the beauty of the valley, I realized how affordable the day had been. Upon my return home, I felt refreshed and relaxed. It was as though I had been on vacation, a mere twenty minutes from Temecula. The entire experience was light on my wallet too. Most of the wine tastings average ten dollars for three to six different wines. A few are higher and a few lower.
Many of the wineries have such a pleasant staff greeting customers. They made me feel welcomed and at home. They explained things if I asked them questions. I learned an awful lot.
Monday morning arrived and I realized that it was as though I had been away for a week long vacation. The reality was, I was gone for five hours.
I can’t wait to go back again.
Monday, April 13, 2009
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Simple lessons to make your wine tasting the most enjoyable.
By Michele McNeal
You are interested in learning about wine tasting. You have many friends who have raved about different wines. Where do you start? Quite simply, you start with the first glass.
Get a group of friends together and venture out wine tasting. Temecula Valley offers more than 30 wineries. Many of them have award winning wines.
Wine tasting is an experience. Here are a few easy steps to make enhance your wine tasting adventure.
Tasting wine is about knowing the wine. Keep in mind that wine has a unique taste, and each wine has its very own characteristics. Wine can be very rich and complex, and in order to fully appreciate it, you need to taste it properly. The true essence of wine tasting is to be able to identify the wine and get its true flavor. Every wine is different in flavor.
The basics of wine tasting are easy. You don’t need any formal training and anyone can enjoy the experience. Always make sure that you have room temperature water, in order to cleanse your pallet in between tasting each wine.
Wine should be served in a stem glass. This way, you can hold the glass by the stem, while wine tasting. You want to avoid holding the glass by the palm of your hand. Oftentimes, this can warm up the wine and change the sample.
Start by looking at the color of the wine. The stemmed glasses should always be clean and clear, in order for you to see the wine and be able to look at it objectively. While looking at the wine, keep in mind that you will see many different colors. Not all wines are truly red or white. Red isn’t always a perfect red. Older reds tend to be a little lighter in color. White wines may have a yellow, green or even brown tinge. While looking at the color, try and have a white background. This allows you to see the true color. If the wine is purplish in color, this indicates that the wine is young. If it is brownish in color, it means that the wine is an older wine.
Smelling the wine is the next step. Twirl the wine around in the glass, to air it. Take a deep breath through your nostril to smell the fragrance. By swirling the wine, you are releasing many flavors. Keep in mind that many wines have been bottled for many years.
When you smell the wine, you may detect fruit, flower, spice, wood or any earth essence. There are many smells that you may detect. Keep an open mind and remember that no observation is incorrect.
The third step is to evaluate your wine’s taste or palate. Sip a small amount of your wine. Do no swallow. Allow the wine to roll around inside your mouth for a few seconds, allowing you to detect its flavors. You may want to introduce some air into your mouth, to further bring out more aroma and flavor. You will want to note the acidity, which is indicated by the watering of your mouth when acid is present. The tannin and body of the wine and the sweetness are the other qualities to note during the tasting. The tannin refers to the dryness or the drying sensation you taste. The body is indicated by the weight of the wine on your palate. The sweetness of a wine is actually controlled by the amounts of acid, alcohol and tannins present. Generally, the higher the alcohol, the sweeter the wine will taste. Sweet wines can taste fruity or not. Dry wines with low levels of sugar and no noticeable sweetness can still be fruity.
Too much acid can make the wine taste sharp and or tart. Too little acid will make it flat and un refreshing.
Too much alcohol will make it overly sweet, hot and biting as it is swallowed.
Too many tannins will make your mouth pucker. Tannins give wine its body and generally soften as wine ages.
The body of your wine is how it feels in your mouth. Wine will be light, medium or full bodied.
Finally, you will want to evaluate the wines finish. This is the sensation left in your mouth after swallowing. The longer the flavor lingers, the longer the finish.
Generally, wineries will have a receptacle available for wine to be spit out into. You may want to spit out wine because it is unpleasant, or because swallowing numerous wines may begin to cloud your judgment.
Additional tips to keep in mind. Don’t sample more than six to eight glasses per tasting, as many more will tire the palate and cause you to lose focus. Avoid wearing perfume, so that it does not overpower the aromas of the wine. Try and go tasting after eating something, this way you won’t get intoxicated, which could spoil the tasting experience for you.
In no time, you will discover what you like and what you don’t. It will take months, or maybe years to fully detect the subtle variation in all types of wine. For the average wine drinker, this information is a good place to start.
By experiencing wine tasting and exploring as many wineries as you can, you will improve your pallet. It won’t be long before you will be able to identify the many characteristics of wine that you taste. Most likely, you will have a favorite; however, don’t limit yourself because of this. Always try something new that you have not tried…you never know, you may just discover a new wine that you may have passed up.
By Michele McNeal
You are interested in learning about wine tasting. You have many friends who have raved about different wines. Where do you start? Quite simply, you start with the first glass.
Get a group of friends together and venture out wine tasting. Temecula Valley offers more than 30 wineries. Many of them have award winning wines.
Wine tasting is an experience. Here are a few easy steps to make enhance your wine tasting adventure.
Tasting wine is about knowing the wine. Keep in mind that wine has a unique taste, and each wine has its very own characteristics. Wine can be very rich and complex, and in order to fully appreciate it, you need to taste it properly. The true essence of wine tasting is to be able to identify the wine and get its true flavor. Every wine is different in flavor.
The basics of wine tasting are easy. You don’t need any formal training and anyone can enjoy the experience. Always make sure that you have room temperature water, in order to cleanse your pallet in between tasting each wine.
Wine should be served in a stem glass. This way, you can hold the glass by the stem, while wine tasting. You want to avoid holding the glass by the palm of your hand. Oftentimes, this can warm up the wine and change the sample.
Start by looking at the color of the wine. The stemmed glasses should always be clean and clear, in order for you to see the wine and be able to look at it objectively. While looking at the wine, keep in mind that you will see many different colors. Not all wines are truly red or white. Red isn’t always a perfect red. Older reds tend to be a little lighter in color. White wines may have a yellow, green or even brown tinge. While looking at the color, try and have a white background. This allows you to see the true color. If the wine is purplish in color, this indicates that the wine is young. If it is brownish in color, it means that the wine is an older wine.
Smelling the wine is the next step. Twirl the wine around in the glass, to air it. Take a deep breath through your nostril to smell the fragrance. By swirling the wine, you are releasing many flavors. Keep in mind that many wines have been bottled for many years.
When you smell the wine, you may detect fruit, flower, spice, wood or any earth essence. There are many smells that you may detect. Keep an open mind and remember that no observation is incorrect.
The third step is to evaluate your wine’s taste or palate. Sip a small amount of your wine. Do no swallow. Allow the wine to roll around inside your mouth for a few seconds, allowing you to detect its flavors. You may want to introduce some air into your mouth, to further bring out more aroma and flavor. You will want to note the acidity, which is indicated by the watering of your mouth when acid is present. The tannin and body of the wine and the sweetness are the other qualities to note during the tasting. The tannin refers to the dryness or the drying sensation you taste. The body is indicated by the weight of the wine on your palate. The sweetness of a wine is actually controlled by the amounts of acid, alcohol and tannins present. Generally, the higher the alcohol, the sweeter the wine will taste. Sweet wines can taste fruity or not. Dry wines with low levels of sugar and no noticeable sweetness can still be fruity.
Too much acid can make the wine taste sharp and or tart. Too little acid will make it flat and un refreshing.
Too much alcohol will make it overly sweet, hot and biting as it is swallowed.
Too many tannins will make your mouth pucker. Tannins give wine its body and generally soften as wine ages.
The body of your wine is how it feels in your mouth. Wine will be light, medium or full bodied.
Finally, you will want to evaluate the wines finish. This is the sensation left in your mouth after swallowing. The longer the flavor lingers, the longer the finish.
Generally, wineries will have a receptacle available for wine to be spit out into. You may want to spit out wine because it is unpleasant, or because swallowing numerous wines may begin to cloud your judgment.
Additional tips to keep in mind. Don’t sample more than six to eight glasses per tasting, as many more will tire the palate and cause you to lose focus. Avoid wearing perfume, so that it does not overpower the aromas of the wine. Try and go tasting after eating something, this way you won’t get intoxicated, which could spoil the tasting experience for you.
In no time, you will discover what you like and what you don’t. It will take months, or maybe years to fully detect the subtle variation in all types of wine. For the average wine drinker, this information is a good place to start.
By experiencing wine tasting and exploring as many wineries as you can, you will improve your pallet. It won’t be long before you will be able to identify the many characteristics of wine that you taste. Most likely, you will have a favorite; however, don’t limit yourself because of this. Always try something new that you have not tried…you never know, you may just discover a new wine that you may have passed up.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
May is the time for BIG BOLD Reds, featured by many wineries in Temecula
Every six months, I update information for our Temecula wine tours, by contacting all of the wineries in Temecula. My research includes the type of wines they specialize in, and the award winning wines. (among a ton of other info) I am truly amazed at how many award winning wines are produced here locally. The big bold reds are featured in May. Faulkner, Wiens, Miramonte, Bella Vista, Tesaro, Wilson Creek and Ponte have award winning Reds-to name a few. Temecula Wine Country is a force to be reckoned with. It is great to see so many award winning wines in our region.
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