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Hi Reader,

On my first big wine trip to Napa and Sonoma, I barely asked a question.

I'd stand at the tasting bar wondering why one wine tasted so different from the last...and then say absolutely nothing. 🤐

I was convinced I'd ask something stupid.

So I'd swirl. Nod. Say, "Oh, this one's nice." And move on to the next wine.

But every once in a while, I'd get a host who started asking me questions. What did I like? What had I tasted so far? What was I hoping to try?

Those tastings were always so much more interesting.

It took me a while to realize it wasn't luck. I didn't need to know more about wine. I just needed to start a conversation.

Here are a few things I do differently now.

🍷 Give them something to work with

You don't need to give your wine résumé when you walk in. Just tell your host a little about what you're interested in.

Maybe you're trying the region's signature grape for the first time. Maybe you want to know how they farm the vineyard. Or maybe you tasted a wine yesterday that you loved and want to find something similar.

Genuine interest will get you much further than trying to sound like you know everything about wine.

👋 Know who you're talking to

Not every person pouring wine is the winemaker, and that's okay!

Tasting room staff are a great resource for the wines, the winery, and the region. If you're talking with the winemaker or owner, usually on a tour or at a smaller place, that's your chance to dig into how the wines are made or what they're experimenting with.

Insider tip: Not sure which one you've got? Ask how long they've been at the winery, or how they ended up there. You'll usually learn a lot more than their job title.

💬 Ask better questions

"What's your favorite?" is the question everyone asks. It's not a bad one, it just gets you one wine and not much else. Ask something that can take the conversation somewhere.

A few of mine:

• What makes this winery different from the ones nearby?
• Is there something visitors tend to overlook about this region?
• What are you experimenting with right now? (save this one for the winemaker)
• Where else should I visit while I'm here?

That last one has led me to some great wineries and restaurants I wouldn't have found otherwise.

🍇 Don't only taste what you know you like

You didn't come all this way to drink what's already in your fridge at home.

Ask what the winery is known for. Ask what you shouldn't leave without trying. Ask if there's a wine they wish more people ordered.

And if you usually drink Cabernet but you're in Riesling country...drink the Riesling!

A tasting is a pretty low-risk way to try something new. Nobody's making you take the bottle home.

⏳ Leave a little room in your schedule

Some of the best conversations happen toward the end of a tasting, especially at smaller wineries.

If you're racing out the door to make your next reservation, you might miss the chance to ask one more question, see the vineyard or cellar, or get a recommendation for your next stop.

You don't need to linger for three hours. Just don't plan your day down to the minute.

The biggest thing I've learned? You don't need to know a lot about wine to get more out of a winery visit. You just need to be willing to ask.

Cheers,

Laura

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