One of the most important aspects of a sommelier’s job is conducting wine tastings. More than opening bottles and describing flavor profiles and pairings, hosting a tasting is about facilitating an experience that excites visitors about the artistry behind the wine they are drinking. I host dozens of tastings a year for industry professionals, friends and even celebrities.With every tasting I host, my goal is to make the experience interesting, educational, and accessible based on the knowledge of the guests.
Read my top four tips for choosing the right wines for your event to ensure a successful tasting that gets people talking.
When stacking bottles for a tasting, especially bottles designed to highlight wines from a particular region, it’s easy to find yourself gravitating toward the classics. Who doesn’t love a Riesling from Germany or a red Bordeaux? Planning a tasting is similar to choosing a set list for a concert. People will always want to hear (or taste) the hits, but it’s the surprise cover or exciting encore that’s often talked about on the way home.
Our wine tour packages also include a delicious dinner, overnight transportation and small group tours so you can enjoy your privacy. What makes the tour more memorable is the added benefit of the scenic views that Solvang has to offer.
In fact, there were over 11,000 wineries in the United States in 2020 and counting. And if you’re in Solvang or the surrounding areas, check out Artisan Excursion Solvang Wine Tours.
A popular holiday custom that dates back to the Roman era of the 2nd century is mulled wine. Spices were added to promote health and wine was heated to combat the harsh European winters. Sweeteners were added to cover the taste of cheap wine, which was much more prevalent than good wine. Mulled wine is basically red wine that has been cooked with a range of spices such as star anise, cinnamon and cloves to give it a delicious, spicy flavour.
Mulled wine is known in Prague as svaák. Glögg, a wine made from blanched almonds, raisins, cardamom, and typically more sugar, can be found in the Nordic countries. Mulled wine is made with a shot of rum or amaretta and is called Gluhwein or “mulled wine” in Germany. Depending on where you are in the world, you’ll find different names for this drink, including vino caliente, vin brulé, bisschopswijn, vin chaud, candola, and
Deciding on a destination
On honeymoon, deciding where to go is always a matter of preference. Some like to follow the classic, yet expensive path that Europe calls for. Who wouldn’t want to spend their honeymoon in Paris, the city of love? Others may opt for more adventurous, less traditional destinations, either choosing to stay close to home or venturing into less popular tourist destinations.
If the couple in question is made up of wine lovers, then the idea of honeymooning in a popular wine region should be considered! California’s Santa Ynez Valley is one such option, offering not only fine wine, but also beautiful scenery, rich culture, and plenty of activities to indulge in. With so many wineries to discover, a wine tasting tour is the best option!
Why a wine tour?
With a wine tour, couples can leave the transportation worry to someone else—someone who knows the area well. A reliable driver and local guide will help you navigate the wine region better than anyone else! You don’t have to worry about how to get where you need to go – all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the wine tasting experience with your significant other.
You can either go with a group or book your own private couples tour – the choice is yours. It opens up the opportunity to enjoy new experiences with your significant other, discover sights, restaurants and shopping opportunities in the region and relax together at the end of the day. A perfect, relaxing honeymoon!
