- I’ve been a server at a winery for years, so I’ve seen guests make their fair share of mistakes.
- A tasting is an opportunity to expand your horizons, so try a wine you don’t think you’ll like.
- Customers should tip the staff in a tasting room just like they would at a restaurant.
As a server, I’ve always thought of a wine tasting as an opportunity to share my love for the alcoholic beverage with others. However, tastings are pretty important for the wineries, too — Silicon Valley Bank found that in 2023, tasting rooms made up 31% of total sales at premium wineries.
Needless to say, I always aim to ensure my guests have the best tasting-room experience possible. I started out at David Hill Vineyards and Winery in Forest Grove, Oregon, as a dishwasher and worked my way up to tasting-room associate — a fancy title for a server — over seven years.
Throughout my time at the company, I’ve seen almost everything, from the wannabe wine sommelier to the guests who think a tasting is an excuse to get drunk with a view.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen customers make at a tasting.
I recommend expanding your horizons during a wine tasting
One of the most common mistakes I’ve noticed is that people assume they know exactly what a wine will taste like based on its name or varietal.
For example, I’ve had guests turn their noses up when I say “riesling” and immediately declare that they don’t like sweet wines. In reality, though, not all rieslings are sweet — some are incredibly dry, with crisp acidity and minerality.
That’s why I encourage guests to taste like it’s their first time trying wine. You might think you know what you’ll like, but sometimes, the name of the wine doesn’t tell the whole story.
The best part of a wine tasting is discovering something unexpected that surprises your taste buds.
Make sure you’re educated on proper tipping etiquette
Many guests forget — or don’t realize — that tipping is customary in a winery’s tasting room. The setting is a bit more relaxed than at a restaurant, so it seems some people often don’t associate the tasting-room experience with the idea of tipping.
However, the tasting-room staff work hard to make your experience enjoyable, and many of us rely on tips.
We’re offering you our world of wine knowledge and making recommendations based on your preferences. It’s a personalized service that goes beyond simply pouring a glass.
So, it’s very discouraging when guests finish their tasting and leave without tipping — or tip like they just got a coffee at Starbucks.
Tipping might not be required, but it’s a small gesture that goes a long way in acknowledging a server’s effort to make each tasting special.
Don’t be unruly just because you’re in a large group
One challenging aspect of working in a winery’s tasting room is managing the expectations of large groups who come in for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or other celebrations.
Based on what I’ve seen, the tasting-room staff has good reason to run and hide in the kitchen if someone walks in wearing a “Bride” sash. Don’t get me wrong — I love a good chance to day-drink, but sometimes, guests arrive expecting to do what they see in the movies.
They envision wine tastings as an opportunity to slam rosé and run through the vines, but an intimate tasting room isn’t the space for that. It’s a refined experience, focusing on savoring the wine and enjoying the setting.
I always recommend reserving a private tasting room for larger parties or calling ahead to establish proper expectations so everyone can enjoy the experience without stepping on any toes.
