Eat beforehand – Even if your tour includes a picnic lunch or lunch at one of the wineries, the alcohol levels can often add up before you know it. 

 

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Avoid coffee and chewing gum – Especially right before wine tasting, as it will affect your palate. 

 

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Drink water – Your tour guide will have water. Staying hydrated is critical to enjoying your wine tasting experience. Drink as much water as wine. 

 

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Avoid anything that interferes with your sense of smell – No heavy perfumes, colognes, or shaving lotions. Smokers beware: remember to consider that the smell of smoke could affect the tasting experience for you and others.  

 

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Dress in layers and comfy shoes – Temperatures can vary from cold mornings to sunny afternoons. Take a lightweight jacket along and closed toed shoes are helpful for the dusty trips out to the vineyards.  

 

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Bring a cooler – You don’t want the wines to “cook” in the vehicle, which is possible even on a cool day. Wine is easily damaged by heat and can start to spoil if it gets above 75° F. The wine you loved at the winery may not taste the same when you open it at home.