| With over 6000 wineries across the United | | | | winery visits. Not only will this help keep your |
| States, there are ample opportunities for wine | | | | palate fresh, but will help minimize the effect of |
| lovers to tour and taste. With the addition of | | | | alcohol. |
| several new wine trails across the country in the | | | | Call Ahead: Wineries will occasionally host large |
| past few years, more and more people are | | | | tour groups, and if so, it might not be the best |
| enjoying visits to wineries. Did you know that | | | | time for you to visit. Staff might be overwhelmed |
| every state in the U.S. now has at least one | | | | and you might not receive the attention you |
| winery? | | | | might otherwise expect. A quick phone call in |
| Before you travel to your local winery or the | | | | advance will help you schedule the best time for |
| nearest wine trail, consider that your wine tasting | | | | you and the winery staff. |
| experience will involve several of your senses. To | | | | Follow The Progression: Be sure to go with the |
| get the most from your visit, and to help you | | | | flow at the tasting counter. Wines are poured, and |
| more readily identify your favorite wines for a | | | | tasted, from light to dry to sweet for a reason. |
| purchase, let's talk about how to approach wine | | | | For example, if you start your tasting with a big |
| tasting in general. And while wine tasting shouldn't | | | | bold red wine, it will adversely affect a light, dry |
| be complicated or intimidating, here are seven tips | | | | white. |
| to consider: | | | | Hold The Cheese: Sometimes a tasting room will |
| Limit Your Use Of Cologne Or Perfume: These | | | | offer cheese samples along with the wine tasting. |
| scents, while generally pleasing, will affect your | | | | Try to hold off on the cheese, because cheese |
| ability to pick up wine aromas. In turn, this will | | | | will alter your perception of the wine's taste. You |
| alter your ability to judge a wine's true taste. And, | | | | can always pair up an appropriate cheese with |
| these scents will affect the senses of your fellow | | | | your favorite wine later. |
| wine tasters as well. | | | | Keep An Open Mind: You may already have a |
| Have A Hearty Breakfast Or Lunch: Before | | | | definite opinion of what types of wines you enjoy. |
| embarking on a wine tasting journey, be sure | | | | But keeping an open mind has its advantages! Try |
| you've had something to eat, but nothing too | | | | different styles. You might find a new favorite, |
| spicy or overly seasoned. Your taste buds should | | | | and it's a great way to learn more about wine. |
| be neutral, and of course you'll want something in | | | | Just about every winery will offer you a warm, |
| your stomach so you don't get tipsy. | | | | friendly wine tasting experience. Have fun, ask |
| Bring Bottled Water Along: Most tasting rooms will | | | | questions, and compare notes with friends. Wine is |
| offer water with your tastings to help cleanse | | | | meant to be shared and enjoyed, and what |
| your palate. But if you're visiting more than one | | | | better place to do it than at that special small |
| winery, it's a good idea to hydrate in between | | | | winery on a scenic wine trail. |