Wine tasting is more than just sipping from glass to glass—it’s an invitation to slow down, engage your senses, and discover stories in every pour. Whether you’re new to tasting rooms or a seasoned visitor with a well-trained palate, understanding a few essential wine tasting do’s and don’ts can elevate your experience and help you feel right at home in California wine country.
At Scott Harvey Wines, we believe that tasting should be approachable, educational, and above all—fun. With that in mind, here’s your updated guide to wine tasting etiquette, with practical tips to help you sip confidently the next time you visit us in Amador County.
Wine Tasting Do’s and Don’ts: What Every Guest Should Know
Navigating a tasting room can feel a little intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. From swirling and sniffing to when to ask questions, these wine tasting do’s and don’ts are here to help you feel more relaxed and confident when stepping up to the tasting bar.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before, during, and after your visit to Scott Harvey Wines—or any wine country destination.
DO: Explore with an Open Mind
One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting a winery is trying something new. Even if you think you’re only a fan of bold reds or light whites, let your tasting guide pour you something outside your usual picks. At Scott Harvey Wines, guests are often surprised by how much they love our Barbera or discover a new appreciation for old-vine Zinfandel.
Let your palate be curious. Some of our most memorable tasting room moments come from guests who say, “I didn’t think I liked that… until now.”
DON’T: Wear Strong Scents
This is one of the most overlooked wine tasting don’ts. Perfume, cologne, or scented lotions can interfere with your ability (and others’) to fully appreciate a wine’s aroma. Because so much of wine tasting relies on your sense of smell, arriving scent-free allows you to better experience the wine in front of you.
DO: Ask Questions and Engage
At Scott Harvey Wines, our tasting room staff is passionate about sharing what makes each wine special. Want to know more about the vineyard? Curious about how a wine was aged? Don’t be shy! Engaging with your host adds depth to your experience and helps you connect with the wine on a personal level.
DON’T: Rush Through Your Flight
Wine tasting isn’t a race—it’s a conversation between the wine and your senses. Give yourself time to savor each pour. Look at the color, swirl the wine, take in the aroma, and then sip slowly. Each step reveals something new.
When you visit our tasting room, we encourage you to linger, enjoy the view, and truly settle into the moment.
DO: Cleanse Your Palate
Between pours, a bite of a plain cracker or a sip of water can help you reset and better appreciate the next wine. Especially when tasting wines with different intensity levels (say, moving from Barbera to Syrah), this simple step can make a big difference.
DON’T: Be Afraid to Spit or Pour Out
One of the more practical wine tasting do’s and don’ts: it’s completely acceptable to use the dump bucket or spit. No judgment here. Especially if you’re tasting multiple wines or visiting more than one winery in a day, this helps you pace yourself and keep your palate fresh.
DO: Make It Your Own
At Scott Harvey Wines, we’re all about personalizing the tasting experience. Whether you prefer a focused flight of red varietals or want to compare current releases with library vintages, we’re happy to guide you. Want to bring a picnic? Enjoy your tasting outdoors? Ask for food pairing tips? We’re here to make the experience yours.
Visit Scott Harvey Wines for an Authentic Tasting Experience
Whether you’re new to wine tasting or a longtime enthusiast, knowing the basic wine tasting do’s and don’ts helps make every visit more enjoyable—for you, and for your hosts. And when you visit Scott Harvey Wines in Plymouth or Sutter Creek, we’ll meet you where you are. Our mission is to make wine tasting educational, comfortable, and memorable—no pretension, just great wine and warm hospitality.
So come with your questions, your curiosity, and your love for California wine. We’ll take care of the rest.
Originally Posted 7/9/24 | Updated 5/13/25