A major part of Power Tasting’s mission is to empower wine tasters from being intimidated when they visit wineries. For some people we’ve met, the most intimidating aspect of wine tasting is asking questions of their servers about the wines they’re being served (and the ones they’re not being served), winemaking practices, the vineyards and so many other topics that make the study of wine so interesting. Some are fearful of seeming ignorant and, at the other extreme, of sounding too snobbish. But how are you to learn without asking for more information?
So here are a few tips on how to ask questions at a winery.
- Age is a factor, as is the question. It’s really a matter of context. A young adult, just of legal age to consume alcohol, can ask very basic questions without worry. If that person asks, “What makes some wine red and others white”, any server with a conscience should give a simple but thorough answer. An older person might get a sidewise glance! There are things that a 21-year old can do that a 41-year old can’t. But you already knew that.
- Only ask questions to gain information you don’t have. If the intent is to show off how much you already know about wine, you’d be better off being quiet. After all, who are you trying to impress? The server? Your companion? People at the next table? They don’t care that you have a diploma from some wine academy and, if you don’t have a certificate, why would you act like that?
- Ask questions that will add to your appreciation of the wines you are tasting. For example, it’s legitimate to ask what grapes were used to make a certain wine. Also, we frequently ask about the percentage of alcohol. Even if it’s well-balanced and not a “hot” wine, we sip less of a wine that’s 15% plus than of a Champagne, say, that’s only 12%.
- If you are considering joining the winery’s club, ask a lot of questions. It’s quite fair to ask how many shipments there will be, about the shipping cost, whether you can customize the selection and, of course, how much the annual shipments will cost. After all, you are thinking about making a commitment that will cost hundreds of dollars, if not more. It’s always a good idea to know what you’re buying.
- It depends on how busy the server is. When everyone tasted standing at the bar, it was easy to see how much work your server had to do. Now, when so many wine tastings are seated affairs, you might think your server is dedicated just to you, but he or she has other people to pour for. So if the server seems to be rushing from one table to another, it’s only fair to minimize your questioning. That’s not to say you can’t ask, but you might not get all the information you’d like.