10 Wine Tasting Tips: What Not to Do Before You Sip

Before you swirl, sip, and savor, there are a few things you’ll want to skip to make the most of your wine tasting experience. Here are 10 wine tasting tips - things not to do before you raise your glass.

Wine Tasting Tips

Don't Do These 10 Things No ifs, ands, or buts - just don’t.

1. Skip Breakfast

   Drinking wine on an empty stomach = one-way ticket to Tipsyville before noon. Eat something with protein, carbs, and maybe a little fat. (Yes, this is your sign to order the breakfast sandwich.)

2. Brush Your Teeth

Calm down, Karen. I’m not saying don’t brush your teeth at all, just do it at least an hour beforehand. The same thing goes for chewing gum or using breath mints before a tasting. You’re paying for an experience – and that includes tasting (hopefully) good wine. Don’t set yourself up for a let down by ruining the taste of the wine before you even arrive.

3. Douse Yourself in Perfume

   You’re not clubbing. You’re sniffing fermented grape juice. Overly scented lotions, perfumes, or colognes can mess with the tasting experience - for you and everyone around you.

4. Assume Every Winery Has Food

   Some do, some don’t. Always check ahead. Otherwise, you’ll end up drunk-Googling “best brunch spots near me” in a vineyard. (Yes, I’ve been there…)

Not every winery has snacks, but when they do… 🙌 Check out this spread I got at one of my favorite spots - Domaine Carnernos. Full review here 👉 COMING SOON!

5. Roll In Late

   Some tastings are scheduled, and running late might mean a rushed experience - or missing out altogether and still getting charged for it.

6. Treat It Like a Pub Crawl

   This isn’t a bar hop. Slow down. Sip. Snack.

7. Skip the Spit Bucket

   It’s there for a reason - and it’s not gross, it’s strategic. Especially when you’re hitting multiple wineries. Trust me, pacing yourself is the new black.

8. Wear Lipstick That Smears

   Unless you want your wine glass to look like a crime scene, or you can sip from the exact same spot every. single. time -  go with something low-transfer or skip it altogether.

9. Forget Sunscreen

   You’d be shocked how many tastings are outside. That dreamy wine-country sun? It can also give you a nightmare-worthy burn.

10. Be Afraid to Ask Questions

    Even the pros started somewhere. Don’t know what something is? Ask. You're in good company.

Did I miss any wine tasting no-nos? Drop your tips (or funny mishaps) in the comments - I’d love to hear them!