How to Prep for a Wine Tasting Evaluation
Steps to Prep for a Tasting Evaluation
Preparing Yourself :
Hydrate- Several hours before tasting wine it is important to drink water. Once a tasting has begun, I recommend sipping water between wine samples. Dehydration a common while tasting as spitting wine will cause the mouth to become dry as it loses saliva. Water will moisturize your body as well as your palate and help to cleanse your palate between samples.
Start with a Cleansed Palate- When preparing for tasting you want to begin with a “clean” palate. Avoid eating any foods with lingering flavors ( Unless the goal is to taste wine for a pairing (see: Wine Pairing Basics and Diversify Your Pair). Cross Contamination of flavor can alter ones perception of the wine’s specific flavor and aroma or overpower it all-together.
Preparing your Space
Free your space of Distraction- Your space should be well lit with the Make sure your space is free and clear of distracting odors. Choose a place that is devoid of sensory influencers such as wind or loud music or changing lighting.
Lighting- Make sure you have adequate lighting and a clean surface with at least one white sheet of paper or white wall to use as a backdrop for your wine.
Tools at the ready- At the table, you should have a white sheet of paper to use as a background when assessing color. A glass of water and a spitoon for spitting are always a good idea. In terms of notetaking, it will be handy to keep a pen, pencil, paper, phone or notebook devise at the ready to jot down any notes you may have.