Local Wine Store Vino Tastings

When you begin exploring the world of wine, there is a lot to choose from. Do yogurt a red, white or bubbles? Do you focus on a specific region, the popular varietals or type of wine? If your not sure, you a far from alone in that feeling. 

A little known secret to those who buy wine often, is that a lot of local wine shops & wine bars with retails shops offer tastings each week, sometimes based on geographic themes, an importer or to showcase a lesser-known boutique wineries that they stock. Many of these locations will keep a calendar of the tastings upcoming, so you can see what the theme will be or if there is a specific wine listed that you have been wanting to try.

Wine shops host these tastings to highlight their new inventory selections, to tempt you into their weekly deals or to help guide consumers through some of the different regions the store stocks. These tastings also give customers the ability to learn more about which wines they enjoy, without the risk of purchasing a bottle that they may not like.

The experience & availability of these tastings vary from location to location. From self-pour stations to wait staff who bring out flights of wine you order, every store I have been to is different. Some locations small snacks like bread to help clear your palate, others offer wine + food pairings, & others offer you the ability to bring your own. Just check with the retailer before you arrive.

Keep in mind that wine tastings are very popular just prior to the holidays, as folks plan what bottle to bring to parties & celebrations. The last tip I have, is that some of the locations that will pour premium selections require a reservation. So please call ahead or check your favorite wine shop’s website for details about their tasting options. Cheers and I hope you have the opportunity to explore something new.