WINE ETIQUETTE 101
For more information, call or text us at 830.456.0481
- 1. Give us some information about your group and what you like. Is this your first time tasting? Are you a seasoned pro? Do you like white wines better than red? Lighter better than heavier? Sweet better than dry? There are no wrong answers, but you’ll have the chance to taste more of the wines you like if you provide some information about your preferences.
- 2. Wine is an agricultural product and most local wineries are family owned. With that said, please conduct yourself as if you were visiting the home of friends or family. Be courteous and respectful. Do not stroll through the vines unless you ask and are given permission to do so by the winery.
- 3. Eat breakfast and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Between winery visits, enjoy some snacks provided by 290TX Tours. You’ll thank us in the morning!
- 4. Most tasting rooms offer a relaxed and conversational environment. Choose comfortable and casually elegant clothing and be sure to bring weather-appropriate gear (e.g. umbrellas and comfortable shoes; lighter clothing, hats and sunscreen in peak summer periods). A winery tour is NOT the time to break out your favorite pair of stilettos!
- 5. Don’t wear perfume or heavily scented cologne to tasting rooms; the scents can overwhelm the subtle aromas in wine – and interfere with your own and others’ experience.
- 6. In Texas, we have strict liquor laws. Just because you have a designated driver doesn’t mean public intoxication is now legal. It is not. Drink responsibly. If one person in a group is cut off at a venue, the tour is over and there will be no refunds. No exceptions! Understand that the winery’s business is at stake as well as our reputation. If we are known to bring intoxicated customers to our local wineries, we will not be asked back and this affects our business as well. Neither the wineries or 290TX Tours can afford for this to happen. Plus, you don’t want to spend your visit to our beautiful area in the Gillespie County B&B.
- 7. It goes without saying that wine tasting is largely about having fun. There are no rules! However, do not hesitate to ask your server if you want to know more about a certain type of wine or varietal. Winery employees love to share their knowledge!
- 8. During a wine tasting, spitting and dumping out the excess wine in your glass is acceptable. Wine tasting vineyards will set out spittoons or other receptacles for you to do so. If you plan on sampling a lot of wines, you’ll want to pace yourself. While it may seem rude to spit at first, this is an acceptable practice at wine tastings.
- 9. On weekends, especially Saturdays, wineries are at their busiest time. Some wineries cannot accommodate large groups and therefore will not allow reservations for parties over 6 guests. Some wineries will allow for larger groups but only for “Bottle Service”. What this means is, instead of having your server conduct your tasting, you will purchase your own bottles and self-serve.
