Visiting Wineries and Wine Tasting

There's something genuinely special about visiting a winery — standing among the vines, tasting wines in the place where they were made, and talking with the people who actually made what's in your glass. It's one of the best ways to deepen your appreciation for wine, and it doesn't require any special knowledge to enjoy. But knowing a little about what to expect before you go makes the experience even better.

This page covers both sides of a winery visit — the practical planning, including how to prepare for a day of tasting, what to expect in a tasting room, and the differences between places like Napa and Sonoma, and the tasting itself, including how to look at, smell and taste wine with more intention, what the etiquette is, and how to get the most out of every pour.

Whether you're planning your first wine country trip or just want to feel more confident the next time you walk through a tasting room door, you'll find useful guidance here.