10 Things You Should Do at a Wine Show

Here in Toronto, the wine shows are getting underway; usually there’s a trade portion in the afternoon, and then the show opens to the public for the evening.

If you get a chance to go to any of these events, it’s worth the admission price, as wine makers are frequently on hand to answer questions, and you get a great opportunity to exercise your palate, while both discovering new wines and honing in on styles you like best.

But nothing can get in the way of your positive learning experience than someone who doesn’t observe basic rules of etiquette and common sense.  Hogging the wine pourer’s attention, blocking the spittoon, and wearing a bottle of perfume can mean an unpleasant experience for the rest of us.  And there are always a few in the crowd: last year, when we were at the big Italian wine show that comes every year, we were standing next to a very loud man who insisted he was an expert, and then “rinsed” his glass in the very full spittoon beside us.  It still makes us barf in our mouths when we think of it.

However, there are some things you can do to make yourself look like a seasoned pro and navigate the wine booths with style (and numero uno is to not dunk your glass in a spittoon).

1. Get Out of the Way

Nothing is more annoying than someone blocking the table and/or the spittoon.  Be aware that there are more people than just you who want to get a sample of the wine being poured, so be gracious: get your sample and stand off to the side to try it.  When you’re ready for another, step back into the fold.

2. This is a Wine Show, Not a Personal Lecture Series

Part two of the above is someone who monopolizes the wine maker/wine agent’s time at the table.  By all means ask your questions, that’s what they’re there for, but don’t ask for a personal dissertation.  First of all, if you do that you’re breaking Rule #1, and secondly, as people who have poured at these shows in the past, it’s stressful knowing the queue is building and you can’t get to it.  If you truly have an onslaught of burning questions, ask one or two of the most pertinent, then get the person’s card and tell them you will be emailing them to find out more (which is also an awesome way to start a relationship with the winery).

3. Be Respectful

This is a no-brainer, but the wines you are trying, whether you care for them or not, are someone’s blood, sweat and tears.  No says you have to lie and say you like it when you don’t, but a simple, “thank you,” and then moving on is sufficient.

4. Stay Classy, San Diego

Or Toronto, or Vancouver, or which ever city you’re in.  Spittoons are provided because people expect you to use them.  Sure, swallow a few gulps of something you love, but it’s a lot of wine to try over a short few hours, and this is a tasting, not a bar.  We’ve been to numerous shows where someone (usually young, and usually female, which really gets our goat), has had too much and has to be literally carried out.  Not cool.

5. Dress Appropriately

We’ve been to shows where inevitably someone shows up in a ball gown when everyone else is business casual.  Gents, this may not matter much to you, but ladies, we know you’re picking up what we’re throwing down. You don’t want to be over- or under-dressed for any event because, while no one else really cares except for the catty ladies gossiping in the bathroom, you just spend the evening feeling self-conscious and not like the effortlessly elegant fox you are.  When in doubt, business casual is the way to go.

6. You Will be Standing For A Long Time

And nothing sucks more than sore feet.  These events are often held in restaurants and hotel conference rooms where under that thin carpet is cold, hard cement.  Before you break out those super-awesome Louboutins, know your pain threshold and govern accordingly.

7. Have a Plan of Attack

We always like to take a brief walk through, sans wine, to get the lay the land before we dive in.  Shows are only a few hours and if they’re really big, you’ll never get through it all.  Prioritize: if you’re on the hunt for some killer Chardonnay, or want to sample some wines from regions you know little about, hit those up first, and if there’s time left over, go to the booths you’ve missed.

8. Perfume is a No No

Part of seriously considering wine is to nose it for the aromas.  If some yahoo shows up beside you drowning in Channel #5, that can throw off your senses.  Be courteous: leave your scents at home.

9. Notes & Pictures are A-OK

Unless you have a photographic memory, write down your thoughts on the wine in the booklet provided or in your own notebook.  At the very least you will probably be trying a dozen different wines — and likely more than that. By the time you finish it’s likely you won’t remember the details of the first wine you tried. So take notes and even photos to help you remember.

10. Take a Break

Usually some pretty awesome food is provided, so eat it! You’re palate will get fatigued after a few wines (how many depends on your experience tasting), so step away, grab some crackers or cheese, and a glass of water and return to the wine afterwards when you can be a little fresher.

Bonus – 11. Wine glasses

It’s better to try wine from a “seasoned” glass than one that’s been rinsed with water, as the chemicals in H2O can effect the wine more than the remnants of your last glass of vino. On the flip side, after a while you’ll notice your glass will start to get yucky, so replace it with a new, clean one.