Here are a few tips for wine tasting this summer. Wine tasting should be a fun and memorable experience, so here are just a few of Tolosa’s suggestions! Please feel free to add any other suggestions for wine tasting to our comment box.
- HAVE AN ITINERARY
When you decide what region to visit, go on the different association and winery websites to view hours of operation and maps. When you select what wineries to visit, it helps to call ahead and make an appointment. This is especially important if you are planning a tasting trip for a group of 6 or more.
AT TOLOSA: John Shakley, Tolosa Concierge, would love to offer suggestions for tour transportation, restaurants and wine tasting in the Edna Valley. Contact: jshakley@tolosawinery.com - TAKE SNACKS AND WATER
Some wineries have picnic areas, where you can enjoy some of their snack/deli items. Otherwise, pack a lunch or visit a nearby restaurant halfway through your tasting to regulate alcohol consumption.
AT TOLOSA: Tolosa has an array of deli meats and cheeses, Wine Pairables (lunchables for winos) and much more available for purchase in our tasting room for you to consume on our beautiful patio. - DISCOUNTS/SPECIAL EVENTS
When calling to make your reservation, ask about any events and specials the winery is offering during the time of your visit. Many wineries have great summer sales and events on the weekends including food pairings, live music, seminars, etc.
AT TOLOSA: Wine and Cheese Pairings on Saturdays and most Sundays $15 wine club / $20 general public. Flight Wine Tastings also available on Saturdays. Click here to make reservations online. - BE AWARE OF HIGH TEMPERATURE
I would suggest packing a Styrofoam cooler or ice chest in your trunk to store wines that you purchase throughout the day. If you are staying at a hotel, do not forget to take your wines back to your room with you. Wineries will not take responsibility for heat-damaged bottles. Some wineries may offer to hold your wine to be picked up later! Shipping is always an option.
AT TOLOSA: Tolosa now sells a product called Wine Assure www.wineassure.com, a temperature controlled pack that keeps wine cool for 5 days during delivery. The cost is $15-$40 in addition to shipping charges. - THEME YOUR TASTING
Make the most of your experience. Ask for a copy of tasting notes from each stop so you can record notes and remember what you have tasted. Otherwise stick to one theme for a more focused tasting experience. For example: Tasting only Pinot Noir, uncommon varietals or region specific (Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone) at each stop.
AT TOLOSA: Tolosa offers 2 flight options of 5 tastes for the $5 general tasting: One flight offers our signature wines that you may find in restaurants and retail shops. The other offers wines that are exclusive to the tasting room and wine club. Tolosa also offers weekend reserve tasting in our Heritage Room. $10 Tolosa Reserve tastings are themed, and rotate each weekend. - LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Try and learn a new “fun fact” and don’t be shy to ask questions at each stop. Most wineries have educational facts posted, offer tours and have friendly staff to help broaden your wine knowledge.
AT TOLOSA: Tolosa has a self-guided tour that walks you through the winemaking process with a viewing point at each stop. We also have an interactive, varietal-focused, sensory evaluation station to help you understand aroma. Coming soon… Tours including a walkthrough of our vineyard and production facility, barrel tasting and special tastings in our Heritage Room will soon be offered by appointment only.
Most of All have a good time and be safe!
Cheers,
Brittney Blete, Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager
