Wine tasting can be a daunting experience for those who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of the beverage. While most know the differences in the flavor between a red and a white wine, the education often stops there. A day spent wine tasting with friends or family gives you the unique opportunity to understand the complexities of each sip while you enjoy the relaxing, peaceful environment with those you love. The trick to getting the most out of a tasting is to understand a bit more about wine before you begin the flight. 

Your All-Inclusive Guide to Wine Tasting

What You’ll Learn

The beauty of wine tasting is that you are exposed to intimate knowledge about the process of how wine is made, what to look for in a high-quality drink, and where your favorite glasses come from. During your first trip to a wine bar, you’ll first be introduced to the many regions that produce the drink and how different vineyards produce different flavors. Often referred to as wine from either the  “Old World” or “New World,” you’ll discover areas in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Chile, and the U.S. where your favorite varietals are created. 

Next, you’ll learn about how grapes are grown and harvested to produce what’s in your glass. Your sommelier will enlighten you as to how the soil and rain acidity plays into the final mouthfeel and taste of each drink so that you can start to understand where your favorite wines are derived from.

How to Taste 

Next, you’ll move on to the tasting portion and learn how to drink, judge, buy, and serve wine on your own. Many think that drinking fine wine is as easy as chugging a soda, but this delicate beverage should actually be enjoyed slowly and carefully. Your sommelier will instruct you to start by sniffing the glass to identify certain flavors. Then, you’ll sip and hold the wine in your mouth to get a full flavor profile. From here, your guide will teach you how to differentiate different reds and whites from one another by body, stiffness, and aftertaste so that you can choose delicious wines for yourself down the road. 

Are you ready to learn more about wine in Farmington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, or Prior Lake, MN? Visit Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar for your first wine tasting. Nestled inside a historical, century-old bank building, this unique cafe offers 30 wines from countries around the globe, craft beer, and tasty cider to taste and learn about. For more information, visit them online or call (952) 985-7650.