Etiquette

Spring time is a time for renewal, and also a time when may wineries have tasting events. There is nothing like a sunny spring day at a winery with a garden full of flowers to experience wine. Near the Alexander Valley, there is an event coming up at the end of April known as 'Passport to Dry Creek' weekend. Kirsten and I have attended this event a number of times and it is always fun to invite friends to share a wine discovery weekend. I have been reading many blogs and articles about proper tasting room etiquette as of late and you may wonder what that really means? All too often we have been at a winery sipping a flight of wines being poured by the winemaker or staff person and all of a sudden the moment is spoiled by the voice of someone just a little too loud. Maybe they are bragging about their "profound" knowledge of wine or perhaps they are asking for a larger pour than the "feeble" 2 ounces they got from the staff member. If you frequent winery tasting rooms, I am sure you have experienced this! Something else that can ruin an experience or even a conversation with a winemaker is to have it interrupted by an over the top group that just got off the party bus. Don't get me wrong, I am very welcoming of all who have passion for wine and the fun of discovery, but it is important to be considerate of others as well. The first and foremost important thing to me when wine tasting is to pace myself and I always try not to start tasting on an empty stomach, at Passport Weekend this is never a problem because the wineries serve a generous abundance of food! It is always a good idea to drink plenty of water in between and when tasting, know that you do not have to take full swallows to get the nuance of any wine...it's even okay to sip, swish and spit (but only into the buckets provided!) I am not a fan of those who brag and especially not of those who criticize the wine they are tasting so that everyone in the room can hear it!!! Be tactful, and if the wine is not to your liking, then just say 'interesting' or nothing at all. Another thing that can interfere with the purity of the tasting room experience is an over abundance of perfume and cologne. I love when people take notes and I have often done so myself, it tells me that they are really eager to learn. Don't, however take it too seriously it is supposed to be fun. And never try to argue with the staff about what you are tasting in the glass...once again, just better to be under the radar. The worst offense to me is when someone begins to gab on their cell phone while standing at the bar, not even walking away and relinquishing their spot to some patient customer waiting to be served. At the end of the day, for the sake of everyone in the tasting room be aware of your surroundings and sensitive to others and to the winery staff...step up, take your pour, ask questions, and step away and observe. Half of the fun for me is to watch other peoples' reaction to the wine they are sampling! Now go out there and taste!

Here is a preview of the wines we will be tasting 'Passport to Dry Creek' weekend:

A. Rafanelli 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
A full bodied Cabernet with intense layers of ripe cherry and blackberry current.
$49.00

2007 Stuhlmuller Vineyard Chardonnay
The signature Stuhlmuller light straw color with aromas of toasted nut and creamy apple.
$34.00

2009 Quivera Fig Tree Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Concentrated flavors of melon and fig with a grass and lemon finish.
$18.00

2009 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel
My personal favorite! This wine exibits aromas of wild berry and scents of black current
$24.00

Cheers!