What should I ask at a wine tasting?
At a wine tasting in Kelowna, asking thoughtful questions can make the experience more enjoyable and educational — but it’s equally important to be respectful of the presenter and the other guests.
The best approach is to be curious without taking over the tasting. Give the presenter a chance to explain the wines and give other guests an opportunity to ask questions too. One or two good questions per wine or per winery is usually plenty. Most tasting-room hosts enjoy curious guests, but a balanced conversation makes the experience better for everyone.
Good questions to ask at a wine tasting
About the wine:
- What grape varieties are in this wine or blend?
- What food would you pair with this wine?
- How was the wine aged, and was oak used?
- What makes this vintage different from previous years?
About the vineyard:
- Where are the grapes grown?
- What makes this vineyard site special?
- What are the soil, elevation or growing conditions like?
- Does the winery use organic, biodynamic or other sustainable practices?
About the winemaking:
- What type of yeast is used?
- How long was the wine aged?
- What is the winemaker’s approach to making this particular wine?
Questions that can help you choose what to buy:
- What’s your favourite wine in the lineup right now?
- Is this wine available at the winery year-round?
- Can I purchase this wine online or have it shipped home?
- Are there any limited-release or library wines available?
You don’t need to know anything about wine
Don’t worry about asking the “right” question. If you’re new to wine, it’s perfectly fine to say, “I’m not sure what I’m tasting — can you tell me what I should be noticing?” or simply explain what types of wine you normally enjoy. The tasting-room presenter can use that information to help you understand the wine and discover something you might enjoy.
At Red Dog tours, we encourage questions, but we also encourage everyone to listen and let the tasting unfold naturally. The best tastings are conversations rather than interviews — everyone gets to learn something and enjoy the experience.
Pro tip: Take a photo of the label or make a quick note when you find a wine you really like. After visiting several wineries, it can be surprisingly difficult to remember which bottle was which.
If you’re wondering how much time you’ll have to ask questions, our tours allow approximately one hour at each winery. Read our related FAQ: How much time do you need at a winery?
And if you’re wondering about the total length of the experience, see How long is a wine tour?.
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