Wine Tasting 101: Confidence in a Glass
Wine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to taste it like you know exactly what you’re doing – whether you’re at home or exploring the world’s best wine regions.
You probably already enjoy wine (as many of us do!), but maybe you’ve felt a little lost when it comes to formal tastings, or when you’re sitting in front of an intimidating wine list.
That’s normal – we all start somewhere! The good news is that wine tasting isn’t rocket science: with a few simple techniques, you’ll feel confident anywhere you go – from Porto’s port cellars to South Africa’s stunning wine lands, or your local bistro!
Strip away the pretension and wine tasting becomes straightforward:
A Simple Tasting Method
LOOK → SWIRL → SMELL → SIP → THINK
That’s it! Five steps that work every time, whether you’re at a casual tasting or a formal wine dinner.
- 👀 Look: Colours tell stories. Pale wines are usually younger, while darker wines are often more intense. That deep ruby colour in a Portuguese Douro red? It’s telling you about its intensity and flavour.
- 🌀 Swirl: This is not just showing off! The swirling action releases the wine’s hidden aromas. A few gentle circles will do the trick.
- 👃 Smell: Take a good sniff. Your nose detects way more than your taste buds!
- 🍷 Sip: Just a small amount – let it hit different parts of your tongue. Don’t be afraid to swish it around in your mouth to coat your tongue.
- 💭 Think: Now we reflect. What did you notice? Did you like it? How long did the flavour last?
Wine Vocabulary That Actually Matters
Forget memorizing fruit descriptors like “notes of passion fruit with mineral undertones”! Focus on these basics:
Dry vs. Sweet
Most table wines are dry (i.e. not sweet!). Some varieties, like Sicily’s Marsala, come in both dry and sweet styles – a perfect example of how one wine can span the spectrum.
Examples: Chardonnay = dry, German Riesling = often sweet
Light vs. Full-bodied
Think skim milk vs. cream!
Examples: Pinot Grigio = light, Cabernet Sauvignon = full-bodied
Smooth vs. Tannic
Tannins make your mouth feel dry (like over-steeped tea!).
Examples: Merlot = smooth, Barolo = tannic
High vs. Low Acidity
High acidity makes wine taste crisp and bright, low acidity tastes softer and rounder.
Examples: Sauvignon Blanc = high acidity, oaked Chardonnay = lower acidity
Master these four concepts, and you’ll already understand 90% of what matters!
Restaurant Confidence
Nothing kills the dining mood like wine-list panic. Here’s how to muster up your confidence when you order:
Know Your Style
If you know what you like, speak on it! “I like crisp, dry whites” gets better results than “What’s good on the menu?”
Ask About Local Specialties
Every region has gems that don’t export – family producers create exceptional wines that support local communities and offer incredible value! Croatia’s Plavac Mali or Italy’s regional varietals offer incredible diversity.
Trust the Middle
Avoid the cheapest and the most expensive! The middle range usually offers the best quality-to-price ratio.
Don’t Be Intimidated
Restaurant staff want you to enjoy your meal. They’re not judging your knowledge!
This confidence pays off immediately. You’ll get better recommendations, uncover amazing finds (and actually enjoy your meal, instead of stressing about your wine choice!).
Simple Food Pairing Wins
Forget food and wine pairing charts. Here are the basics that work most of the time:
The Golden Rule
Light wines with light dishes, full-bodied wines with richer dishes.
When in Doubt
White with fish, red with meat still works very well!
Local Logic
Regional wines evolved alongside regional cuisine and usually pair perfectly.
Ask Your Server
“What wine do you recommend with this dish?” shows confidence, not ignorance!
Trust Regional Classics
Portuguese Vinho Verde with seafood, Italian Chianti with pasta, South African Chenin Blanc with spicy cuisine – there’s a reason these combinations became traditions!
Wine Faux Pas to Avoid
Here are a few tips to help you look and feel more comfortable when you’re tasting wine:
Do
- ✅ Be honest about your preferences
- ✅ Ask for recommendations based on your taste
- ✅ Hold by the stem or base only
- ✅ Serve wine at proper temperature (whites chilled, reds slightly cool)
- ✅ Take your time to actually taste and take notes
- ✅ Spit at multi-winery tours (tasting rooms expect it!)
- ✅ Enjoy what you enjoy, regardless of price or reputation
Don’t
- ❌ Pretend to taste flavours you don’t detect
- ❌ Fill your glass to the brim
- ❌ Hold the glass by the bowl (it warms the wine!)
- ❌ Drink white wine warm or red wine ice-cold
- ❌ Be afraid to ask questions or spit at tastings
- ❌ Buy wine just because it’s expensive or famous
Wine appreciation isn’t about memorizing flavours or impressing others. It’s about feeling confident and enjoying the experience. Master these fundamentals, and you’ll navigate any wine situation with ease:
Confidence Over Complexity
Wine tasting follows five simple steps that work everywhere – from casual tastings to formal dinners.
Trust Your Palate
Your personal taste preferences matter infinitely more than critic scores or fancy wine ratings! You might discover you love Spain’s Cava over expensive Champagne – and that’s perfectly valid!
Skip the Snobs
Honest reactions like “this tastes crisp and fresh” beat pretentious wine speak every single time.
Local Discoveries
The best wine experiences happen when you find amazing bottles that never make it past regional borders – like Greek varieties that have been grown locally for millennia.
Ready to put your new-found wine confidence to the test?
Experience world-class wine tastings on our tours to Portugal, South Africa, Croatia, Greece, Spain, and Italy’s diverse wine regions!
Enchanting Portugal
Flanked by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal seems to enchant anyone who has made a trip along its 1,800 km of pristine coastline. With picturesque vineyards, jagged cliffs and hilly cities, history can be found on every cobblestoned street, and the Portugal experience is different for each traveller. Warm people and delicious food are central to every visit. If salted cod and fresh sardines are everyday staples, the Pastéis de Belém pastry is now an institution in its own right.
Departures: September & October 2025April, May, September & October 2026 (+$200)
South Africa & Victoria Falls Tour
Sweeping panoramic views, a rich and diversified cultural heritage and a true wildlife haven are here to be discovered. In a few words, be ready to feel small – stand between two oceans at the southern tip of the continent, witness the Big Five up-close in their natural habitat, and cruise near the world’s largest waterfall. Enjoy some of the finest wines, a product of this unique climate. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will awaken all your senses.
Departures: August, September, October & November 2025 January, February, March & April, August, September, October & November 2026 (+$250)
Iconic Greece & the Cyclades
With some of Europe’s oldest civilizations developing in this country, impressive monuments still stand as proof of the empires that once called the ancient Panhellenic capital home. While the mainland’s architecture will take you on a trip through time, the Cyclades of Mykonos and Santorini will inspire you to cherish the simpler things in life. Endless blue seas, whitewashed buildings at dramatic angles and pink skies play backdrop to the distinctive cultural heritage and fascinating local traditions of a millennia-old and multifaceted civilization. Local favourites of fresh seafood, strong Ouzo liquor, sun-filled tomatoes, perfectly ripe olives and organic feta cheese will quickly become yours, too.
Departures: September & October 2025April, May, September & October 2026 (+$300)
Treasures of Croatia & the Balkans
Whether you are relaxing next to the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic, strolling through the historical city centers of Split or Dubrovnik, or taking in the fairy tale beauty of Plitvice’s 100 synchronized waterfalls, experience life in landscape with endless immersive views. In Bosnia, you will learn about the Balkan region’s tumultuous history, while Slovenia will overwhelm you with exquisite views of alpine lakes and million-year-old cave formations. If that isn’t reason enough, get an early taste of what the world is discovering to be a budding wine region.
Departures: September 2025 April, May, September & October, 2026 (+$100)
Splendours of Spain
Feel the passion of the Spanish people at every proud monument, in every Flamenco-filled taberna, and on every sparkling beach you visit across this delightful nation. Gaze upon gilded palaces, timeless fortifications and wow-worthy landscapes that influenced such artistic juggernauts as Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudí. Dig into hearty, seafood-rich paella, or take a more modest bite of one of endless creative tapas dishes. Notice how your nose perks up as you catch the scent of orange blossoms and olives while passing through the fruitful groves of the Andalusia region. In artisan shops, gently rub your hand across handmade ceramics and supple Spanish leathers. While beautiful and world-class, Spain is much more than just its capital or second city. On this tour, you’ll discover that firsthand.
Departures: April, May, September & October 2026
Sicily & Southern Italy
Fresh artichokes, tomatoes, sweet almonds, aubergine and cold pressed olive oil will never taste the same. The south of Italy has its own spin on everything, and food is only one example. Lose yourself in the Sicilian heartland and learn about the myriad of civilizations that each left their mark on the island. Discover Greek temples, Arab-inspired markets, Norman castles, and the shimmering beauty of the volcanic Aeolian Islands. A few kilometres north, Calabria and Puglia offer distinct culinary traditions and spectacular coastal towns. Celebrate the art of living, eating and travelling slowly, in the region that started it all.
Departures: September & October 2025 April, May, September & October 2026 (+$200)
Signature Italy Tour
A cherished favourite for many travellers, and the home of the “Dolce Vita” way of life, Italy has an expansive and established influence in world culture. Fall under the subliminal charm of fine leathers, renaissance art, classical music, delicate pasta, Neapolitan pizza, wonderful wines, fresh mozzarella and velvety chocolate. From Venice’s waterways and Pisa’s leaning tower, to Florence’s Duomo and Cinque Terre’s panoramic views – an unforgettable experience awaits. Our complete itinerary goes beyond the essentials and is the perfect way to discover Italy for the first, second or tenth time.
Departures: September & October 2025 April, May, September & October 2026 (+$200)
