10 Steps to a Successful Virginia Wine Tasting

October is Virginia Wine Month and it really is a great time to get together a group of your friends and make a day trip of visiting 4 or 5 wineries. Before you plan your next trip, here are some tips that will help make it more fun for everyone:

1. Consider renting a limo/bus/van: Even though it adds to the cost, it is worth it to have a designated driver. Its even better when you work with a company that knows the wineries and can help you plan.


2. Plan your trip: This is especially true if you are going out with 6 or more people. Figure out which wineries you want to hit and call ahead to let them know about what time you will be there. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour at each winery and don't forget to factor in travel time.


3. Be realistic: Most wineries are open from 11:00 to 5:00 (some until 6:00). Given the above time at each winery, plus travel time it is only realistic to plan to hit 4, maybe 5, wineries in one day. Any more than that and you really don't get a chance to savor the wines.


4. Take notes: mot wineries have sheets you can use to take notes, but even without that there is nothing wrong with bringing a pad and taking some notes on the wines. They don't have to be Robert Parker style reviews, just notes to remind yourself why you liked a wine. That way when you are trying to think back to first winery from the fifth you have something to jog your memory.


5. Pack a lunch: There is nothing better than opening up a bottle or two and enjoying the wine and the scenery over a nice lunch. So, pick one of the wineries and plan on having a picnic there. Again, just call ahead to make sure it is okay, especially if you have a group of 6 or more.


6. Bring lots of water: It is important to stay hydrated as the tastings progress.


7. It is not a bar crawl: The wineries want you to have fun, and enjoy yourself. But, a wine tour is not a drunkfest. Wineries are subject to the same ABC laws as everyone else, if you show up drunk they can't serve you. If you are acting like an ass they will throw you out. Have fun, get a little tipsy, but avoid getting falling down or obnoxiously drunk


8. It is not BYOW: Again, ABC laws prevent you from bringing other wine to a winery, not to mention that it is just rude and tacky. Winemakers work hard to create good wines, bringing another wine to a winery is an insult.


9. Expect to pay a tasting fee: I have tasted wine all over the world and most wineries charge between $5 and $10 for a tasting fee. The wineries have to re-coup the cost of the tasting room somehow, and honestly, even with the charge most wineries don't make a profit on their tasting room.


10. Take a tour: If the winery offers it, take a tour. This will give you a good idea of how the winery works, what the winemaker's philosophy is and it is always a lot of fun.