Even after visiting several hundred wineries, I get goosebumps almost every time I discover a new winery. I can finally find out what personalities are behind a wine and how things are done in the vineyard and cellar. The highlight of every visit is always the tasting of different barrel models and finished wines.
Over the years, I’ve learned from many wine growers what is important when visiting a winery. The better the mood of a winemaker, the greater the chances of an unforgettable experience.
Improper and perfumed
A winemaker’s days are often full, and few can afford to make time for visitors. If they do though, it’s a privilege for visitors. It is not surprising, therefore, that great emphasis is placed on arriving on time. If you get stuck in traffic or something else, you should report it to the winery.
Do not use perfumes or strong-smelling deodorants when visiting a winery, as these scents can be offensive during wine tasting. I have already experienced how a visitor is immediately dismissed by the winemaker because of his perfume. It is better for men to avoid strong-smelling aftershaves.
Wrongly dressed, ignorant and picky
To visit a winery, choose jeans and loose clothing such as a shirt or blouse. A suit and tie is just as inappropriate as a running outfit. The only exception: Burgundy. “Dress to impress” is the order of the day in aristocratic palaces. The better you dress in Bordeaux, the more attentive you will be treated.
No one is expected to spend weeks preparing for a winery visit. But you won’t make a particularly good impression if you ask a Barolo winemaker in Piedmont if Tempranillo is also on offer.
Many wineries make a variety of wines. In addition to simple, fairly inexpensive wines, there are often more expensive and better quality wines. Often simpler wines are offered for tasting first. If you reject them just because you’ve come for the more expensive wines, you’re making a big mistake. Try everything they offer you, you don’t have to swallow it.
Busy agenda and too much thirst
It may take a few tries before you make an appointment, especially at famous wineries. Therefore, avoid cramming the next appointment into your calendar shortly after your visit. Because if you are lucky and the winemaker is in good spirits, rare wines can be opened and tasting can take a long time.
Especially in the first cry, you should be careful not to swallow everything at once. If wine growers see that you haven’t come to taste it, they’ll not only fill your glass with less wine, they’ll leave out even their best and rarest wines. However, with that said, you can sip the wine without embarrassment and say the wine is too good to drink.