Wine Enthusiasts! I need help!!?

Question

I had tried several wines, only to be disappointed to find I did not like the taste. I'm only 22, and I suppose my palate had not developed yet. I love trying foods, and I really do eat all types. Anywhere from sushi, raw oysters, all types of cuisine, I can't really think of food I don't like. The down side, I always found it so disappointing that I couldn't enjoy a fine wine with my meal. Friends and family had invited me to wine tasting, but I always declined the invitation. I didn't want anyone to spend their time and effort, for something I wasn't going to fully enjoy. Last weekend I finally found a Rose that appealed to me! I was invited this weekend to a wine tasting, so now my questions:

Should I bring a wine journal?

What can I expect?

What type of attire?

Dinner is part of the ticket, do people normally bring any types of food into the wine tasting? cheeses, fruits, chocolates?

Proper wine etiquette?

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you for your time!

Answer 1

Let's tackle these one by one:

Wine journal: Sure, that's a good way to remember a wine that you liked, and to avoid a wine that you didn't like.

Expectations: If this is at a private home, expect a casual party-like atmosphere.  It really depends on the venue.

Attire: Where is it being held?

Dinner: Contact the host - they should be able to guide you in your dish.

Etiquette: Most people who enjoy wine are more than happy to help-out a novice, so don't feel like you need to be an expert on day 1.  Be friendly and inquisitive.  If you don't know something, just ask.

Other tips: enjoy yourself!  You're not auditioning for a sommelier position at the local 4-star restaurant.  Since you're 22, most people will assume your a beginner when it comes to wine - and you are.  Allow the other people at the party be your guides - most people will be more than willing to help.

Answer 2

Red wine can be an acquired taste.  My husband only drank white wine, until we took some good wine-tasting classes.  Now, he'll ONLY drink cabernet, zinfandel or merlot!  So, see if there are some wine-tasting classes available, where you'll learn about the properties of different wines.   You probably won't find any rose or "pink" (or white zinfandel) wines at a wine tasting party, since they're primarily "party wines."   Wine tasting parties can vary as much as the person who's giving it!  It could be very formal, or very casual:)   You could bring a "hostess gift", just like you would to ANY party.  Water crackers are good with wine, since they don't ruin the palate;  or you could bring a good, yet mild, cheese.   Depending on the strictness of the wine-tasting, you might just swish the wine in your mouth, and then spit it into a provided receptacle.  Water would cleanse the palate between tastings ... but I doubt that would be done at a home party:)   You don't want to be swirling the glass to look for clarity or "legs," since you don't know what you're looking for either:) ... Just relax, and sip the wine and try to savor it.......