Wine tasting is one of the most pleasurable experiences the wine industry offers. It is so popular and effective, tasting rooms are highlighted throughout the world. Many wineries feature tasting rooms that are open the public, and some are by appointment only. The rooms may be located at the winery and vineyard or in nearby cities in their cellar stores or storefront boutiques. Many wineries reward the weary traveler with premium wine they do not distribute or offer on-line, but provide only in their tasting room. Wine tasting can also be found at local wine bars and wine stores. Again, a perfect chance to taste before you buy.

When traveling to the wineries, a successful wine tasting trip begins with preparation. Laying out a game plan, by highlighting the wineries that interest you most, is the first step. It may be the manicured landscape, the unique Chateau style structures, the exquisite view of the countryside, or an unparalleled reputation for hospitality and fine wine. In all cases, the wine must not be overlooked. With over 1100 wineries in California, how does one choose the right ones to visit? Simply Wines can help by providing a short description of featured wineries throughout the California Appellations. A link to their website is also provided for convenience.

The second step is determining the travel plan; drive your own vehicle, catch a ride with a friend, hire a local limousine service, or charter a bus tour. Driving your own vehicle, or catching a ride with a friend, is the most flexible and inexpensive method. Time is your own, and a change of plans is easily accommodated. Make sure one reliable person is the designated driver. California laws for driving under the influence are growing more stringent every year. The wine tasting experience is exciting and fun, however, the most important feature is getting home safely to enjoy fine wines another day. Local limousine services provide a safe ride, convenient pick up and delivery, insights into the local wine region and recommendations for additional featured wineries. Chartered bus tours will pick up at local cities or hotels, provide a tour of specified wineries, provide a vineyard picnic lunch and transport back to the initial destination. Many bus tours are flexible and will accommodate from one to 25 people. With a nominal fee, some tours allow the addition of alternate wineries.

Understanding varietals and the Vino Lingo will enhance the wine tasting experience. To further enhance the wine tasting experience, we need to understand the wineries are typically located in rural locations surrounded by farms and farm communities. Consider yourself an honored guest in their community, and follow a few simple rules of wine tasting etiquette, and you will be welcomed again and again.

When tasting wine, always move from White to Red, Dry to Sweet. The wine lists and servers will guide you through the transition. The four simple steps to wine tasting are: Sight, Swirl, Sniff and Taste. Look at the wine, is it light and watery or rich and bold. A white wine should be light hay to gold in color and without a green tint. A green tint indicates the wine is young and should to be aged. A red wine could be light red to ruby red in color. If the wine has a pink ridge, again, it should be aged. Swirl the glass to expand the wine and allow it to aerate bringing forward its aroma. Is the wine floral, fruity, full of berry and spice or is it flat and flabby? Allow the wine to flow over your entire tongue, so all the taste buds enjoy the offering. Is the wine sweet or dry, acidic or smooth, slight or strong tannin? If you are unsure what you are smelling or tasting, don't be shy, the server is there to assist your every question.

Some people experience a headache from an afternoon of wine tasting. The Red Wine Headache (RWH) has been published in many medical journals and magazines. No true cause has been linked to the phenomenon; however, theories include Sulfites, Histamines, Tannins and Prostaglandin. A simple cure for RWH is to drink water between wineries. Wine is a diuretic, so it will dehydrate the unsuspecting drinker, especially on a hot afternoon, and cause a slight headache if not treated early. If water alone does not cure the headache, an aspirin usually does the trick. To learn more about RWH, visit Wikipedia RHW.