Planning to take part in your first wine tasting in Austin? The Texas hill country is home to some of the state’s most acclaimed vineyards, and there are certainly plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or blends, you’ll discover a world of enjoyment. However, there are a few mistakes that you need to avoid on your wine tour. We’ll run through what you need to know to avoid these problems.
1. Acting Like It’s A Bar
One of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make is treating a winery’s tasting room like a bar. They can seem similar, but they are not. A Conversation should be quiet, you should not crowd the bar, and you should not shout to get the attention of the staff.
2. Not Asking Questions
The tasting room is a place where you can explore wines that might be completely new to you. That’s an amazing experience, but it can be even better if you turn it into an educational opportunity. Ask questions of the staff, even if they feel “dumb”.
3. Not Eating
Most of the wineries you’ll visit on a wine tasting in Austin will have some sort of food, even if it is just crackers or a cheese plate. Make sure to avail yourself of any foods available to keep up your energy (and to combat the alcohol).
4. Not Wearing Comfortable Clothes
Yes, wineries are generally a bit more upscale than your average dive bar, but that doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable in your Sunday best. We always recommend wearing comfortable clothing, particularly comfortable shoes.
5. Not Spitting
Yes, you’re sampling wine, but that doesn’t have to mean drinking it all. You should spit at least some of it into the spittoon. It’s expected, and it will help keep you from getting too tipsy.
6. Not Buying When You Have the Chance
While many of the wineries you’ll visit work with distributors, some of the smaller ones do not. The only way to get those wines that you love is to snag a bottle or two while you’re there. Don’t miss out by thinking you can find it somewhere else.
Avoid these mistakes, and your wine tasting in Austin will be much more enjoyable. We invite you to stop by Bell Springs Winery and join us for a tour and tasting.
