Nobody expects you to be an expert. What makes a great tasting-room guest is curiosity, courtesy and a sensible pace. Here is what that looks like in practice.
Arriving
- Arrive on time for reservations, and call if you are running late.
- Skip strong perfume or cologne; aroma is a big part of tasting, for you and everyone around you.
- Have photo ID ready. You must be 21 or older, and staff are required to check.
How pours work
Tasting pours are small by design, so you can try several wines without drinking a full glass of each. Wines are usually served in a set order, often lighter to fuller. You do not have to finish every pour, and you can skip a wine that does not appeal. If you want to revisit a wine, ask politely; do not assume extra pours are included.
Spitting and the dump bucket
Spitting is completely normal at tastings, and professionals do it all day. Use the spittoon or dump bucket to discard wine you do not want to finish, or to rinse your glass with water between wines. Designated drivers especially should feel free to taste and spit. Lean in, spit discreetly, and move on.
Tasting, simply
- Look at the color against a light background.
- Swirl gently to release aromas.
- Smell before you sip; much of what we call flavor is aroma.
- Sip and let the wine move across your palate.
- Reflect: do you like it? That is the only verdict that matters.
Asking good questions
Staff generally love questions. Good ones include: Where were the grapes grown? What makes this vintage different? What would you pair with it? Which wine here surprises people most? Listen to the answer, and share honestly what you like and do not like; it helps them guide you.
Tipping norms
Customs vary by venue. In bars and restaurants, tipping is customary in the United States. In tasting rooms, practices differ: some guests tip for attentive, guided service, especially if the fee is waived or the host went out of their way, while in other rooms a tip line may not appear at all. If you are unsure, it is fine to follow the venue's lead; a thank-you, a kind review or a bottle purchase are also appreciated.
Buying wine
Buying is welcome but rarely required. If a fee is waived with purchase, that will usually be stated. Do not feel pressured, and do not feel awkward saying you are just tasting today.
Drinking responsibly
- Tasting is for adults 21 and over. Never bring underage guests expecting them to taste.
- Eat, drink water, and pace yourself across the day.
- Never drink and drive. Arrange a designated driver or a ride.
- Staff may decline to serve anyone who appears intoxicated; respect that call.
For Washington's alcohol rules, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is the official source.