Wine Tasting 101: A First-timers Guide To The Barossa Valley
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 09/09/2024
Reading time: 3 mins
Wine tasting is a great way to discover a new favourite wine and learn about the winemaking process.
Going wine tasting for the first time could be full of excitement, but for some, it could be a bit daunting. If this is you, no need to worry; wine tasting is a lot of fun, and you can learn a lot about individual wines, the cellar doors, and how they craft the wine.
Before your wine tasting, do some research about the wineries and the wines they produce. It’s also best to have a big breakfast, light snacks throughout the day, and plenty of water.
What not to say at a wine tasting
Let the experts talk, even if you think you know all about wine. Here’s a list of things to avoid saying:
– “It smells like wine” – Instead of saying this, try to identify the fruit characteristics or floral scents the wine expert may mention.
– “I don’t like red/white wine” – Even if it’s true, you might be surprised and end up liking it. If not, simply spit it out.
– “I don’t drink screw cap wines” – Screw cap wine bottles are very popular, especially among New World winemakers for their convenience and ability to preserve wine quality. So, don’t dismiss screw cap wines as you are limiting yourself from some quality wines.
The five steps of wine tasting
When it comes to wine tasting, there are generally five steps to follow. Remember these steps for a successful day of wine tasting in the Barossa Valley.
1. Sight
The appearance of the wine can tell you a lot about it. The colour gives you an idea of its age and the type of grapes used. The more wine tastings you do, the more you’ll learn.
2. Swirl
Swirling the wine in the glass allows air to get into the wine, releasing its aromas. Especially with reds, observe the wine’s body to see how dark or light it is.
3. Smell
Smelling is a crucial part of wine tasting, allowing you to pick out a range of scents. The winemaker may describe different aromas you could smell in the wines you’re trying.
4. Taste
Tasting sounds simple, and it is, but there are steps to remember. On your first sip, let the wine sit in your mouth briefly before swallowing. This helps you notice the different flavours the wine offers, its sweetness or dryness, and its acidity level. Look for the tasting notes like fruits or spices mentioned by the winemaker. Finally, pay attention to the aftertaste of any new flavours.
5. Savour
Lastly, savour the taste of the wine. Focus on the wine’s balance, complexity, and finish.
Best wine tour in the Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley boasts around 150 wineries to explore, but the best way to experience a handful is through a wine tour. A tour allows you to sit back, relax, and taste a variety of unique wines from one of the world’s best wine regions.
For the ultimate experience, we recommend the wine and food lover’s tour! Spend the day visiting three local wineries and enjoying some of the finest food the Barossa has to offer. By the end of the tour, you’ll be fully satisfied with the wine and mouthwatering food you’ve enjoyed throughout the day.
