5 tips for navigating Grand Tasting events

On Saturday, November 23, I attended Robert Parker’s Matter of Taste . The event featured over 250 outstanding wines each rated 93 or more points by Robert Parker Wine Advocate reviewers. Tastings like this are incredible! They are the perfect opportunity to taste an array of wines most people do not have access to on a daily basis. They can also be extremely overwhelming and not knowing how to navigate them can leave you feeling completely lost or worse lead to some really embarrassing moments (trust me, I’ve seen it)! Grand Tastings generally have anywhere from 100 to 300 different wines available from all over the world. While it is absolutely impossible to taste them all, having a game plan can make it a memorable experience. Here are my 5 tips for navigating large tasting events:

Dress for the day: There will be a guide book with space for taking notes, a pen and a glass for you carry, so you’ll want to keep your hands free. Check-in your coat and any additional bags you have and be sure to take a picture of the ticket! If you lose it during the event, you won’t be stuck waiting until the end to get your stuff. If you need to carry a purse, a crossbody bag is essential, again, keeping your hands free is key. Last but not least, you will be doing a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. Large groups of people + copious amounts of wine is a recipe for disaster. Avoid wearing white or light colors, if you do, be sure to carry a Tide to go pen in case there are any accidents.
Have a plan: The guidebook is your friend. Take time at the beginning to map out what you want to taste and be strategic. Start with the wines you absolutely want to taste first, if they are popular they will probably be crowded so allow yourself time. Palate fatigue is VERY real, so if possible, start with the sparkling, then whites, then light-medium bodied reds, then full-bodied reds. Champagne resets are totally acceptable lol. Leave room to try a few wines that aren’t on your list. You never know what new gem you might discover.
Spit and STAY HYDRATED!: This is the MOST important tip. On your first pass, with few exceptions, spit everything out. I know, I know, you don’t want to and the very idea of spit buckets everywhere sounds gross, but you really need to. What you are tasting and how much of it you are actually consuming, can get you drunk…QUICKLY so pace yourself! BYOWB- Bring your own water bottle. Depending on how large the event is, constantly going back to the water station might not be efficient. I always carry a 9 oz S’well bottle that fits nicely into my crossbody. That way, I always have water with me and can hydrate after every (other) sip. After you have tasted everything on your list, you can make another pass to enjoy a glass of something really enjoyed or try a new grape a region you don’t usually go for. DO NOT OVER DO IT. I have seen people totally embarrass themselves because they got trashed. Don’t be that guy/girl/person!
Attend a class/Network: The classes offered at these events are great. They usually include extensive tastings of 8-12 wines through multiple vintages. I attended a Master Class presented by Chappellet, one of my absolute favorite wineries in California, where we tasted through wines from 1975-2016! I also got to speak with the winemaker and connect with an editor from huge wine publication. Every table presents the opportunity to connect with a winemaker, distributor, sales rep or awesome Somm that is pouring the wines. If you are in the industry or trying to break in, have your business cards ready and follow up with folks you meet, this is a great networking opportunity!
HAVE FUN: It’s a wine tasting…enjoy yourself! Taste great wines, meet great people and have a great time. Yes, you will be among some folks that missed the #youcansipwithus memo. Don’t be surprised if you hear or are asked a dumb question by someone being arrogant or pompous and DO NOT let it get to you. I was tasting a zero dosage Champagne and as it was being poured, a gentleman tapped my arm and said “you know that means it isn’t sweet right?” My response was short and sweet “well, I should hope not, someone would have some serious explaining to do if something labeled zero dosage was sweet “ and continued my conversation with the person pouring my wine. You cannot control what people say, but you can control you react. Ask questions, taste great wines and keep on smiling….even if your teeth are stained red LOL!