Wineries are opening for the season, awaiting both locals and visitors alike to come try new releases, pick up old favorites, or simply take a few sips.
Numerous events, both small (winery dinners) and large (consumer tasting events) are looming. Each year, I take some time to review wine event and tasting room etiquette, so here we go.
First and foremost, make sure there is a designated driver. It seems like a no-brainer these days, but a reminder is probably a good thing. If you’re the driver? Sure you can taste wine, but learn the art of quietly spitting so that you don’t overindulge. Don’t like the hefty spittoon? At a tasting room, ask if there’s a plastic cup you can use instead. Then dump it in the spittoon when you’re done.
Second, use your smartphone wisely. Beeping and buzzing can be distracting for your fellow tasters, so at least turn the phone to vibrate, and if you want to experience wine in all its glory, put the phone away. Or, at least put it down while you’re tasting. That said, taking a photo of a wine label so you can remember what you had is handy. Or use an app to keep track of your tasting notes, Quini is one that mirrors professional-level tasting notes.
If you’re serious about tasting, whether it’s at an event or a winery, lay off the perfume and cologne. Your own sense of smell will be compromised, and likely you’ll annoy those around you. Part of tasting wine is being able to experience its bouquet and aromas.
Similarly, protect your tastebuds. Brush your teeth, but make sure you leave a bit of time between your morning constitutional and heading out to taste wine. There is nothing worse, with the possible exception of mint toothpaste and orange juice, than tasting wine shortly after gargling with your favourite mouthwash. You’ll quite likely experience a metallic taste.
No matter where you are tasting, especially if it’s in a crowded place, get your wine sample and step back. Let others get their glasses full. Take a moment to savour what’s in yours, and then if you have questions step forward again to talk to the winemaker or staff.
Finally, take some time to review a winery’s website before you head out. Learn a few things, memorize some wine terms, figure out what their signature wine is, and you’ll surely impress your friends.
Save the Date
April 28, Kelowna: The B.C. Bacon &Cider Festival, supporting Okanagan College Culinary Students, is at Laurel Packing House. baconciderfest.com/
April 29, Rutland: Okanagan Food Truck Fest takes place at Rutland Centennial Park. Free entry with a kid’s zine, DJ, shopping and, of course, food trucks. www.facebook.com/events/244264106034148/
April 29-30 Summerland: Okanagan Crush Pad invites you to its Locals Appreciation Event, featuring bites from True Grain Bread and the Summerland IGA. okanagancrushpad.com/
May 3-6, Naramata Bench: Exploring Spirits at Maple Leaf Spirits lets you experience a private tasting with Master Distiller Jorge Engel, pairing unique spirits with European-style hors d’oeuvres. Limited availability. www.thewinefestivals.com/events/view_event/1400s
May 6, Penticton: The Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre hosts its annual celebration of all things wine, Bacchanalia, with more than 60 wineries and 240 wines. www.pentictonlakesideresort.com/events/okanagan-spring-wine-festival-bacchanalia-2/
May 6, Penticton: First event of its kind, The Tasty Chain takes you on a bike ride of 14 kilometres (longer if you wish) to three boutique wineries near Naramata and the KVR trail, complete with food pairings, ending with lunch at JoieFarm. Presented by the Penticton and Area Cycling Association, this is a fundraiser for youth cycling development. www.bikepenticton.com/the-tasty-chain/
May 6-7, Penticton: The Art of Pairing at Painted Rock. Enjoy wines paired with gourmet cheese and charcuterie from local producers; 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.paintedrock.ca/
May 13, Naramata: Roll Out the Barrels along the Naramata Bench as the wineries sample wines straight from the barrel. www.facebook.com/events/1836913419903092/
May 13, Naramata: Awakening the Grapes at Deep Roots Winery, the second annual “piping awake” the vines. Food by BRODO Kitchen, music by Crosstown Bus. www.deeprootswinery.com/
May 13, Naramata: Little Engine Winery Dinner at Little Engine Wines, on the crush pad overlooking Okanagan Lake, with Joy Road Catering. www.littleenginewines.com/
Allison Markin is the food and libations columnist for the Penticton Western News. She can be reached at Allison@AllSheWrote.ca and on Twitter @OkanaganTaste.