I guess it’s because I am an avid wine enthusiast and have some involvement in the wine business why I actually taste all the wines at a wine-tasting event. At a recent Wray and Nephew California wine tasting event I was in discussion with a number of guests who are in the habit of treating the events just like cocktail parties. They arrive and whatever wine is served first, that is all they drink for the rest of the evening.

When new brands or products are added to a distributor’s portfolio, they usually want to introduce these wines to their clients and prospective customers and one of the best ways is with a wine tasting event. As we get closer to the festive season more of these tasting events are being hosted.

What to expect at a wine tasting

When you are invited to a wine tasting and you accept the invitation and attend, you are expected to sample all the wines poured. Do expect smaller pouring quantities: a regular glass of wine is about five ounces, so expect about two ounces at these tasting events.

Expect to taste a minimum of five or six different wines; these will be a mix of white, red or rose wines and if available they might pour some sparkling wine. Persons who claim that they only drink red or only drink white, please open your mind and widen your perspective.

Do expect to be guided through the series of wines on offer, don’t just walk up to the bar and ask for a Merlot; the wines are being tasted in a specific order. If you arrive at the tasting late, do ask which wine they are now onto, some hosts might offer to go back and allow you to quickly taste through all the wines that you missed.

Do expect the host to give a description of the wines and provide some background information on the producer of the wines.

Some hosts might provide specific food pairing for each wine, while most will simply provide a light generic fare either during or after the tasting.

The wines we tasted at this event were produced by Redtree Wines and Delicato from California. Guests sampled the luscious fruit-forward Pinot Grigio, Viognier-Chardonnay, Clay Station Viognier and Delicato Merlot.

Newer in their portfolio, Redtree produces fresh, fruit-forward, distinctive varietals that are ready for immediate consumption. Guests sampled Moscato, White Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Do taste all the wines at wine tasting events, especially at this week’s series of Salut! Wine and Champagne events.

Christopher Reckord – Businessman, Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter: @DeVineWines @Reckord