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Wine Tasting 101

Earlier this month I visited Napa Valley with my friends. I’m not sure if it was the constant 70-degree weather, extremely nice people, or the breathtaking landscapes – but this place was pretty close to heaven, especially when you add wine into the equation. I mean, what’s a Napa girls’ trip without wine, right? If you had told me when I was growing up in Florida that one day I would be drinking wine rather than cheap booze I would have laughed in your face. After all, if you’re after a fake id Florida is the place to get one but we would never use them in a wine shop that’s for sure!

From the Castello di Amorosa to the Robert Mondavi Vineyard, our trip was filled with endless wine tastings and tours in some of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever seen. I’m no expert wine connoisseur and am in no way picky when it comes to wine, but I did learn a few things. To be honest, I already thought that I knew everything there was to know about wine. You see, I got a headstart from my friend who was constantly looking for the best fake id sites when we were in college, so we could enjoy a glass of wine in a bar after a hard day’s work. It seems that some things never change. But this trip enabled me to broaden my horizons further, and without the need to use a fake ID for proof of my age. So anyway, here’s a few takeaways to keep in mind the next time you pour yourself a glass of wine.

  1. There’s a certain comfort when holding your glass of wine by the bowl, but if you hold the glass by the stem instead, you won’t warm the wine with your warm hands.
  2. Something our tour guide showed us at Sterling Vineyard, and probably the coolest trick I learned on this trip, is that you can drink the same wine and taste something completely different on the second sip. When I smelled the top of the glass, I smelled the acidity in the wine, and that’s what I tasted. However, when I smelled the middle, I smelled the fruity aroma, which is what I tasted the second time. (It’s safe to say I stuck with the second aroma as I continued to drink my glass).
  3. When taking a sip, try sipping a bit with air in your mouth so you can aerate the wine itself. Believe it or not it makes a big difference!
  4. Weight is usually defined by how much alcohol there is. So if it feels heavy, it’s usually because there’s a higher alcohol content.
  5. Food makes a difference! There’s a reason why food is often paired with wine, they complement each other. For example, red wines go great with steaks and earthier flavors, while white wines pair amazingly with fish and chicken. But the most important thing I learned – cheese goes with everything!