So, You’ve Been Invited to a Wine Tasting…
Picture this: Your boss, in all their sophisticated glory, invites you to a wine tasting. Not just any wine tasting—an exclusive event at Tierra Luna Cellars. You break into a cold sweat. Your go-to wine knowledge consists of knowing that red is red and white is white. Maybe you’ve swirled a glass once, but that was mostly to look busy at a wedding.
Fear not! By the time you finish this post, you’ll be swirling, sniffing, and sipping like a pro—or at least like someone who won’t embarrass themselves in front of management.
Step 1: The Swirl (A.K.A. “Look at Me, I Know Things”)
This is where you pretend you know what you’re doing. Take your glass, hold it by the stem (because we’re not heathens who warm our wine with our hands), and give it a gentle swirl. This releases the aromas and makes you look incredibly refined.
Wine legs are the droplets that appear on the inside of a wine glass after swirling. This effect occurs due to the Gibbs-Marangoni Effect, a phenomenon driven by fluid surface tension as alcohol evaporates. Interestingly, NASA has explored this effect in space—definitely worth checking out! A common misconception is that these wine legs say something about wine quality. They don’t! So if someone brings this up and comments on what the legs say about the wine, be polite! Let them have their moment.
Step 2: The Sniff (A.K.A. “Yes, I Can Definitely Smell Something”)
Stick your nose in the glass and inhale deeply. You may detect hints of fruit, oak, or—if you’re truly committed—notes of “floral or earthy” aromas.
Pro Tip: If someone asks what you smell, don’t panic. Just nod and say, “notes of blackberry”. It works 100% of the time.
Step 3: The Sip (A.K.A. “The Moment of Truth”)
Take a small sip—no chugging. Let the wine sit on your tongue for a second before swallowing. You might notice different flavors emerge. Or you might just taste “wine.” Either way, nod knowingly.
Pro Tip: Whatever you do, don’t say “smooth.”
Step 4: The Commentary (A.K.A. “Fake It ‘Til You Make It”)
If someone asks for your thoughts, resist the urge to say, “It’s good”.
Instead, say something like:
- “I love how the tannins balance out the fruit-forward notes.”
- “The structure is quite elegant, don’t you think?”
- “Ah yes, this reminds me of a summer evening in Tuscany.” (You’ve never been to Tuscany, but neither have they.)
Bonus: Impress With Tierra Luna Cellars Knowledge
Sprinkle in some fun facts about Tierra Luna Cellars, like how it was founded by former NASA astronaut José M. Hernández. “I love how their wines reflect a celestial balance,” you’ll say, as everyone nods in admiration.
And there you have it! You’re now equipped to survive (and even thrive) at your wine tasting event. Now go forth and sip with confidence!
Oh, and if all else fails? Just smile, raise your glass, and say, “To great wine and even better company!” Works every time.
