| So you're new to wine tasting! Why not consider | | | | to answer questions and guide you through the |
| going on a wine tour? | | | | learning experience. They have expert staff, who |
| Years ago, wine tours were geared for the elite in | | | | given a smaller party, can take the time to teach you |
| society. That is no longer the case. Whether you are | | | | all about wine tasting. With a larger party, you often |
| a beginner or an expert, wine tasting is suited for | | | | get lost in the crowd and have to wait until someone |
| everyone. It is a great way to learn about wine, or | | | | else asks the question. Then it is time to leave to |
| try something new. | | | | visit the next winery. |
| The first thing to decide on is what area you want | | | | Vineyards generally allow 4-6 oz of wine as samplers. |
| to going tasting in. There are so many wineries | | | | You will taste several wines, so keep that in mind |
| throughout the world, with many to choose from. | | | | when sampling. Make sure that you take it slow and |
| Consider Temecula Valley, which is located in | | | | enjoy your day. This is not about getting to as many |
| Riverside County in Southern California. This region, | | | | wineries as you can. It is about enjoying the wine |
| which is south of Los Angeles by 45 minutes, and | | | | and making it a memorable experience. |
| north of San Diego is quickly becoming a must do in | | | | Should you visit large wineries or smaller ones? You |
| the area. It is close by and offers over 30 wineries! | | | | can learn a wealth of information from both. The size |
| If you live out of the area, consider staying in a local | | | | of the winery is a personal preference. The larger |
| hotel, and plan on wine tasting one day and exploring | | | | winery's often have a wider selection. The larger |
| the area the following day. | | | | wineries often have award winning wines, although |
| When planning your wine tour make sure to have a | | | | don't strictly go by the awards. The smaller wineries |
| designated driver. No matter what, consider the | | | | may have a phenomenal wine that you may overlook |
| consequences of driver while under the influence. | | | | if you miss visiting them. |
| Even though you may not intend on drinking too | | | | Consider making a reservation for lunch or dinner out |
| much, your judgment becomes impaired. The mere | | | | in wine country. What better way to have the |
| fact that you are endangering everyone on the road | | | | proper food paring, than by the experts themselves? |
| should be a sobering consideration. (The cost of a | | | | Temecula Wine Country offers an array of |
| DUI is devastating both financially and remains on | | | | restaurants from the casual dining, to the elegant |
| your DMV for years to come) | | | | fare. You can do your research on line, prior to |
| Consider hiring a Wine Tour company to go on a | | | | visiting wine country and find out more about the |
| wine tour with. They know the area, and can | | | | area and what it has to offer. |
| enhance your day. | | | | Keep a record or log of your experience. Write down |
| If you do go with a Wine Tour company, do your | | | | the wine and characteristics that you have observed. |
| research. Consider this, do you want to go to | | | | Before you take another wine tour, refer back to |
| pre-determined wineries and stay on their schedule? | | | | your previous records. This will help you to build on |
| Or would you prefer a wine tour company that | | | | your knowledge. Make notations of wines that you |
| allows you to 'chart your own course' while reviewing | | | | particularly enjoy and note why. |
| their information on all of the wineries? Your wine | | | | If you discover a winery that you absolutely love, |
| tour will enhance your knowledge and allow you to | | | | ask to join their wine club. You can get information |
| explore a world that you will soon love! There are | | | | from the individual winery whether or not their wine |
| two types of tours. One is guided, going with a large | | | | club is open, along with the details on how to join. |
| group and visiting designated wineries. The second is | | | | Finally, consider taking some wine home with you. |
| one allowing you more freedom and choice. One | | | | Wines are available from the vintner and you should |
| consideration is you are learning and want to be able | | | | plan of purchasing some from the winery. The smaller |
| to ask numerous questions and learn as much as | | | | wine tour companies often allow you to purchase |
| possible. A smaller, personalized wine tour may be the | | | | wine and put it in the vehicle with you. That way, |
| right choice for you. The vintners often are available | | | | you can enjoy it at a later date. |