Do I have to be a wine expert?
Do I Have to Be a Wine Expert to Join a Wine Tour?
No — you absolutely do not have to be a wine expert to join a Red Dog wine tour.
Our tours are designed for everyone, from people who have never been to a wine tasting before to experienced wine lovers who already know a great deal about wine. You don’t need to know the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, understand wine terminology, or know how to describe what you’re tasting.
What happens if I don’t know anything about wine?
That’s perfectly fine. The people presenting the wines at the wineries are there to explain what you’re tasting and answer your questions. They’ll introduce the wines, talk about the grapes and winemaking, and help you understand what makes each wine different.
Your Red Dog guide is there to make the day easy and enjoyable, while the winery hosts provide the detailed information about their wines and winery.
You don’t have to know the right words
One of the best things about wine tasting is that there is no right answer when it comes to what you like. You might love a wine that someone else doesn’t, or discover that a variety you expected to dislike is actually one of your favourites.
Just tell the presenter what you enjoy. If you like wines that are dry, fruity, sweet, light, bold or somewhere in between, they can often use that information to help you understand what you’re tasting and what you might enjoy next.
Can I ask questions?
Absolutely. Questions are encouraged. You can ask about the grapes, how the wine was made, where the grapes were grown, food pairings, or simply which wine the presenter personally enjoys.
You don’t need to come prepared with a list of questions, either. Listen to the presentation and ask about whatever catches your interest.
For some ideas, see our related FAQ: What Should I Ask at a Wine Tasting?
Is wine tasting intimidating for beginners?
It doesn’t have to be. Our tours are intended to be relaxed and welcoming. You aren’t being tested on your wine knowledge, and nobody expects you to know the terminology or have an educated opinion about every wine.
The goal is simply to taste, learn a little, discover what you like and enjoy the experience.
Want to learn more about Kelowna wine country?
If you’re new to the region and want to understand more about Kelowna’s wineries, wine routes and wine culture before your tour, our Kelowna Wine Culture Guide is a good place to start.
It gives you a broader introduction to Kelowna wine country without requiring any previous wine knowledge.
Just come and enjoy the experience
You don’t need to be a wine expert. You just need to be curious about wine and willing to try something new. Our job is to take care of the driving, the route and the logistics so you can relax and enjoy the wineries.
People also asked: How Many Tastings Are Included in the Tour?