Wine 101: How to Taste Like a Pro

As we embark on our journey together, it’s the perfect time to brush up on the basics of wine tasting. Whether we’re seasoned sippers or just starting to explore, learning how to taste wine thoughtfully can transform every glass into a new adventure. Let’s dive into the essentials of tasting like pros—no pretentiousness required, just curiosity and open minds.

The Five Steps of Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is much more than just drinking. It’s about engaging all our senses and discovering the stories each bottle has to tell. Here’s a simple five-step process we can use at our tastings, at home, or wherever we’re enjoying a glass.

1. Look

First, let’s take a moment to admire the wine in our glass. Hold it up to the light or against a white background. What do we see? Is the colour pale or deep? Is it clear or cloudy? Reds can range from light ruby to deep purple, while whites might be pale straw or golden. The colour can give us clues about the grape variety, age, and even the climate where it was grown.

2. Swirl

Next, we give the glass a gentle swirl. This isn’t just for show—it helps release the wine’s aromas by increasing its contact with the air. As we swirl, we might notice “legs” or “tears” running down the inside of the glass. These aren’t a measure of quality, but they can indicate the wine’s alcohol or sugar content.

3. Smell

Now, let’s bring the glass to our noses and take a deep sniff. What do we notice? Wine is famous for its complex aromas—fruits, flowers, spices, earth, and more. Don’t worry about getting it “right.” There are no wrong answers! We might smell cherries, blackberries, vanilla, or even fresh-cut grass. Sharing our impressions with each other is one of the joys of tasting as a group.

4. Sip

It’s finally time to taste. Take a small sip and let the wine roll over our tongues. What flavours do we notice? Is it sweet, dry, tart, or smooth? How’s the texture—light and crisp or rich and full-bodied? We can also pay attention to the balance between acidity, tannins, and alcohol.

5. Savor

After swallowing (or spitting, if we’re tasting many wines), let’s reflect on the finish. Does the flavour linger, or does it disappear quickly? A long, pleasant aftertaste is often a sign of a well-made wine.

Wine tasting should be fun, not intimidating. We all have unique palates, and everyone’s impressions are valuable. Let’s encourage each other to share our thoughts, ask questions, and explore new wines together. As we continue our journey, let’s remember: the best wine is the one we enjoy together.