A Wine Tour is a Great Way to Learn All About Wine!

So you're new to wine tasting! Why not consider going on a wine tour?

Years ago, wine tours were geared for the elite in society. That is no longer the case. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, wine tasting is suited for everyone. It is a great way to learn about wine, or try something new.

The first thing to decide on is what area you want to going tasting in. There are so many wineries throughout the world, with many to choose from. Consider Temecula Valley, which is located in Riverside County in Southern California. This region, which is south of Los Angeles by 45 minutes, and north of San Diego is quickly becoming a must do in the area. It is close by and offers over 30 wineries!

If you live out of the area, consider staying in a local hotel, and plan on wine tasting one day and exploring the area the following day.

When planning your wine tour make sure to have a designated driver. No matter what, consider the consequences of driver while under the influence. Even though you may not intend on drinking too much, your judgment becomes impaired. The mere fact that you are endangering everyone on the road should be a sobering consideration. (The cost of a DUI is devastating both financially and remains on your DMV for years to come)

Consider hiring a Wine Tour company to go on a wine tour with. They know the area, and can enhance your day.

If you do go with a Wine Tour company, do your research. Consider this, do you want to go to pre-determined wineries and stay on their schedule? Or would you prefer a wine tour company that allows you to 'chart your own course' while reviewing their information on all of the wineries? Your wine tour will enhance your knowledge and allow you to explore a world that you will soon love! There are two types of tours. One is guided, going with a large group and visiting designated wineries. The second is one allowing you more freedom and choice. One consideration is you are learning and want to be able to ask numerous questions and learn as much as possible. A smaller, personalized wine tour may be the right choice for you. The vintners often are available to answer questions and guide you through the learning experience. They have expert staff, who given a smaller party, can take the time to teach you all about wine tasting. With a larger party, you often get lost in the crowd and have to wait until someone else asks the question. Then it is time to leave to visit the next winery.

Vineyards generally allow 4-6 oz of wine as samplers. You will taste several wines, so keep that in mind when sampling. Make sure that you take it slow and enjoy your day. This is not about getting to as many wineries as you can. It is about enjoying the wine and making it a memorable experience.

Should you visit large wineries or smaller ones? You can learn a wealth of information from both. The size of the winery is a personal preference. The larger winery's often have a wider selection. The larger wineries often have award winning wines, although don't strictly go by the awards. The smaller wineries may have a phenomenal wine that you may overlook if you miss visiting them.

Consider making a reservation for lunch or dinner out in wine country. What better way to have the proper food paring, than by the experts themselves? Temecula Wine Country offers an array of restaurants from the casual dining, to the elegant fare. You can do your research on line, prior to visiting wine country and find out more about the area and what it has to offer.

Keep a record or log of your experience. Write down the wine and characteristics that you have observed. Before you take another wine tour, refer back to your previous records. This will help you to build on your knowledge. Make notations of wines that you particularly enjoy and note why.

If you discover a winery that you absolutely love, ask to join their wine club. You can get information from the individual winery whether or not their wine club is open, along with the details on how to join.

Finally, consider taking some wine home with you. Wines are available from the vintner and you should plan of purchasing some from the winery. The smaller wine tour companies often allow you to purchase wine and put it in the vehicle with you. That way, you can enjoy it at a later date.