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INTRODUCTION TO<br />
WINE TASTING<br />
WITH OVER 13,000 ACRES OF VINEYARDS AND 80 TASTING ROOMS, <strong>Sonoma</strong><br />
<strong>Valley</strong> offers fantastic wine tasting options to explore. Specializing in wines like Pinot Noir,<br />
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel, there is sure to be<br />
a taste that works for you. When you’re planning your visit, it’s always a good idea to not only<br />
understand a little bit about <strong>Sonoma</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> wines but also how to get the most out of your<br />
time here—and that starts with some tasting etiquette. Here are some tips for your next<br />
tasting experience in <strong>Sonoma</strong> <strong>Valley</strong>:<br />
TIP #1: GIVE YOURSELF<br />
THE GIFT OF A<br />
DESIGNATED DRIVER<br />
Driving under the influence is<br />
a bad idea no matter where<br />
you are. So do yourself a favor,<br />
and take advantage of all of<br />
the transportation options in<br />
<strong>Sonoma</strong> <strong>Valley</strong>! It’s a sure way<br />
to get where you want to go<br />
without any worries. Whether<br />
you ride the <strong>Sonoma</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> Wine<br />
Trolley, book a limousine or town<br />
car, or hire a designated driver<br />
to drive your own car, you won’t<br />
miss a beat. Also, if you want to<br />
up the ante on your fun factor,<br />
consider some less traditional<br />
modes of transportation like a<br />
motorcycle sidecar!<br />
TIP #2: MAKE AN<br />
APPOINTMENT While<br />
there are quite a few wineries<br />
that accept walk-ins, making an<br />
appointment ahead of time is a<br />
great way to ensure that you’ll<br />
get the time and attention you<br />
deserve. Feel free to consult the<br />
<strong>Sonoma</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Visitors</strong> Bureau<br />
website to take a peek at your<br />
options ahead of time, then look<br />
at the individual winery websites<br />
to get a feel for the experience.<br />
Also, be sure to consult the<br />
FAQs on our website to determine<br />
the best winery or tasting room for<br />
the experience you want to have,<br />
whether you want to find a kidfriendly<br />
winery or enjoy a picnic<br />
while you’re there.<br />
TIP #3: DON’T DRINK ON<br />
AN EMPTY STOMACH It’s<br />
always smart to make sure you’ve<br />
had a good meal to start the day.<br />
Tasting on an empty tummy is<br />
the fastest way to over-imbibe.<br />
Believe the pros: there’s nothing<br />
worse than a wine hangover!<br />
When you drink responsibly, with<br />
food in your stomach, you can<br />
manage to taste more with less<br />
fear of indulging too much.<br />
Wineries that serve food offer<br />
anything from wood-fired pizzas<br />
to gourmet sit-down tasting<br />
menus. Some wineries sell snacks<br />
and picnic lunches. And some<br />
wineries have picnic areas where<br />
you can bring in your own food<br />
while enjoying a bottle of wine.<br />
(But please only drink wine from<br />
the winery you are visiting!)<br />
TIP #4: LEAVE THE<br />
STRONG SCENTS AT<br />
HOME This probably sounds<br />
unnecessarily strict, but any wine<br />
professional will tell you that<br />
scented body products, from<br />
perfumes to aftershave, leave<br />
a cloud of scent around you<br />
that interferes with the tasting<br />
process not only for you, but for<br />
everyone around you. If you want<br />
to keep your tastebuds bright,<br />
also be careful to not brush your<br />
teeth too close to your tasting<br />
appointment. In that same vein,<br />
eating mints or chewing gum<br />
28 SONOMA VALLey
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