Our San Francisco hotel is just a short drive away from world-class wine destinations like Napa and Sonoma not to mention first-class tasting rooms right here in the city. With such prime access to this world-class wine region, it's helpful to know a thing or two before you start picking out bottles to bring home.
Make sure your senses are neutral. Sensory overload is going to distract from wine tasting experience. Get away from any overpowering aromas, whether that's a perfume or something cooking in the kitchen. Choose a relaxed, quiet setting where your can fully focus on your wine's complex and interesting flavors.
Tilt your glass. When you swirl your glass, you get to see the complete color range of the wine. Once you learn a little more about wine tasting, you may even recognize varietals based on their subtle hues. No matter what your level of expertise, you'll get a sense for how thick the wine is, if it has been filtered, and what its weight is. A thinner wine will swirl up the edges more than a more viscous vino.
Breath in the aroma. After you swirl, you can take some short sniffs. You may not recognize every nuance in the flavor profile, but you may pick up hints of fruits, flowers, herbs and spices.
Taste your wine (yes, finally!). After swirling and sniffing, it's now time to taste by taking a small sip. The flavors should closely follow any scents you just detected.
Pair perfectly. Choose the right wine to go with all your favorite foods. Red wines complement red meat (especially Cabernet Sauvignon) and earthy flavors. Opt for a light white to accompany poultry dishes, fish, and white sauces. Moscato is sweet and best savored with dessert, while Syrah is the perfect partner for spicy foods.
Cheers!