Five Reasons To Attend Wine Tasting Events

…as I sit here basking in the glow of the Family Winemakers of California tasting in Pasadena earlier this month, I thought I’d string together a few thoughts on why these kind of events are so cool, and why EVERYONE should go to them as often as possible.

1. GOOD WINE; and LOTS OF IT!

Even if you have a generous allocation in your monthly budget for wine, I don’t know how anyone could be exposed to as many good wines in one place and time as one can at a wine tasting event. I was floored at the Pinot Days tasting; every single Pinot I tasted was amazing- and there were nearly 100 wineries present, most pouring two to three wines. Almost every wine was estate or reserve grade; bottles in the $60-$100 range from wineries like Sojourn, Keller Estate, Cloud’s Rest and Belle Glos. In the course of a couple of hours, one can walk away having sampled and experienced dozens of good wines from countless producers/regions/varietals.

2. EDUCATION/INFORMATION

Aside from the experience of tasting all those wines, the education that goes along with it is mind-boggling. I always bring a pen and a notebook (call it a tasting journal if you like), and I’ll jot down tasting notes, factoids, quotes from the winemaker, etc. Many of the tasting tables will be manned by either the owner or winemaker of the winery, so tasters have the opportunity to get answers to questions, or details and information that can’t be found in magazines or on websites. Honestly, one tasting event can provide more useful information than a stack of wine magazines. By the way, the information you garner at a tasting event includes personal tasting data; I don’t know of a magazine or website that can do that.

3. FREEBIES/DISCOUNTS

Coupon-cutters, pay attention… I’m talking to you! (I can say that because I’ve cut a coupon or two in my day). Tasting attendees will often be given the opportunity to receive special discounts on wine or wine club opportunities not offered to the general public. This is especially true for tasting events that are held at wine stores; the wines being tasted will usually have special sale prices for purchases on the day of the event. And then there’s the schwag… I’ve got a drawer at home to house some of the stuff I’ve brought home at tastings: I have several cork screws, a Wine Spectator mouse pad, a ball-point pen, a t-shirt, two baseball caps and most recently added: a carabiner keychain from the folks at Trek Wine.

4. LIBRARY WINE

A lot of wineries will bring out some bottles they’ve been holding for a while to showcase the aging potential of their wine and the heritage and history behind their name. That’s when it can get really interesting (make sure you get your tasting journals out!) How often do you get the chance to compare an ‘06 Spring Mountain Vineyard estate Cabernet with the ‘87 vintage? I did at the Family Winemakers tasting. The ‘87 was holding up quite nicely, lots of interesting secondary characteristics had emerged, but the fruit was still right there in the driver’s seat. Quite a treat.

5. THE PEOPLE

Now if you see the two guys in the picture above, you should run in the opposite direction as quickly as possible (that’s me and our buddy Adrian, a regular member of the WE team.) But beyond that, there inexplicably tends to be a lot of really cool folks at wine tastings. In addition to the aforementioned winemakers and vintners, there are a lot of enthusiastic wine geeks just like you, and they flock to these things. It can be interesting to compare notes and trade wine tasting war stories (sit next to me at a tasting, I’ll talk your ear off). There are always lots of wine professionals in the room as well, and they can be a great resource for information, tasting tips and possibly even more schwag; (for example, the ‘wine professionals’ in the picture above might have an extra t-shirt or two on their person.)

Bottom line: regardless of what town you live in, there’s bound to be a tasting event of some significance nearby at least once a year- (if not, you need to travel). Take advantage of them. The benefits are pretty substantial and you’ll be glad you did. If you see the guys from Trek Wine, ask for a keychain.