A Real Winery’s Tasting Room is Not a Bar… And Other Advice to Get the Most From a Visit to Wine Country
This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this topic. 99% of you know everything I’m about to write. And agree. And act this way. But I still feel compelled to write about it.
Why? Maybe it’s because pumpkin-picking season is upon us on Long Island and wine country roads are clogged with local agritourists. Maybe it’s all of the bar-masquerading-as-a-tasting-room stuff I’ve been reading. Or maybe it’s that I’m becoming more and more like my father every day in that I simply expect people to act the right way in every situation — including visiting wine country.
Most of the time, they do of course. Most patrons I share tasting rooms with seem to be having fun — while also being respectful and responsible. That’s what makes wine country so much fun for me and my family.
But it only takes a bad berry or two to spoil the cluster. I’ve witnessed some abhorrent behavior too. And I’ve been told stories — by tasting room managers and winery owners — that frankly stun me.
Now before I delve into how I think one should behave when touring wine country, a bit of a disclaimer: I understand that there are some wineries that actually encourage the type of behavior I’m lamenting with this post. But, I prefer to think of them as bars or clubs rather than actual wineries.
There are rules — some written, some unwritten — that every visitor should adhere too. Doing so will make touring wine country more fun for you, your fellow customers and for the wineries. The wineries want you to have fun — and hopefully buy some wine. But they also want you to be safe. Most of them anyway.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you get the most from your visit — safely.
Designate a Driver. It might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. The tastes you’ll be poured by most wineries are small, only an ounce or two, but they can add up over the course of a day. Make sure that you choose your designated driver before you arrive at the first winery. Don’t assume that “someone will be sober enough to drive” at the end of the day. Nothing ruins a great day at the wineries like a DWI arrest, or worse.
Pace Yourself. You’re excited about your visit wine country — and why wouldn’t you be? — and want to pack as much in as possible, but again those little pours really do add up. Pick three or four wineries that you want to visit and take your time at each, rather than racing through 7 or 8 in one day. Wine tasting is about more than just the wine. Enjoy your friends, the setting and the conversation.
Bring a Picnic Lunch. There are great restaurants on both Forks and several wineries offer at least some sort of food, but one of the things I enjoy most about a winery afternoon is having a picnic lunch next to a vineyard. Many wineries have beautiful patios or decks where you can spread out and have a great lunch. Remember though that if you’re going to drink wine with lunch, make sure it’s from the winery that is hosting you. It’s rude to drink wine from another winery on someone else’s property.
Also note that agritourism-focused wineries may not want you to bring outside food in because they’d rather sell theirs to you.
Don’t Wear Perfume or Cologne. This is a pet peeve of mine — and something that may not bother you as much, but if I’m tasting wine, I want to be able to smell the wine — not the cologne the guy next to me has drowned himself in. You’ve met that guy. I know you have. I actually hope you’re not that guy. Just be considerate. Smoking falls into the same category for me. As a non-smoker I don’t understand the addiction, but I don’t think smoking has any place at a winery.
A Tasting Room is Not a Bar. Like I said, some wineries may operate like bars with cover charges and DJs, with people packed shoulder-to-shoulder, three or more deep at the tasting bar, but they aren’t. Be respectful of those pouring wine for you and don’t ask to be “filled up” when you’re tasting. If you want to drink to get drunk, head to your local watering hole with your designated driver in tow.
Buy a Bottle to Take Home…If There’s One You Like. It always surprises me to hear that some people feel guilty if they don’t buy a bottle of something. That’s ridiculous. It’s your money and you should never feel pressured to spend it on wine you don’t like. Of course, if there’s a wine you really love, why wouldn’t you want to take some home?
I guess these all boil down to simply this: Have fun. Be smart. Be respectful. Be safe.
I couldn’t agree more with what you are saying. We will turn and walk out of places that appear to be out of control. I’m always the DD and I will taste a wine here or there and I always buy at least a bottle of something I like. Sometimes even a case. There are plenty of quality NY wineries out there and a little respect goes a long way.
The Niagara wine trail has a limo policy that has some pretty good suggestions
http://niagarawinetrail.org/pages/limo-policy.html
I just wrote an article for Hudson Valley Wine Magazine on this very topic. http://www.scribd.com/doc/105511754/Fall-2012-Hudson-Valley-Wine-Magazine-Enjoying-a-Wine-Region-Glass-by-Glass
I agree with you on what I call the “sympathy purchase.” Don’t feel that you have to purchase a wine just because you spent $10 tasting all the selections. Build your wine cellar and bring home what you enjoy. Don’t worry, what you don’t fancy, someone else will. Remember all palates are different
I think part of the problem is perception of the activity on the part of many of the casual wine consumers. They don’t appreciate the experience the same way and for the same reasons that you (Lenn), me or a host of other wine lovers do.
For them it really is just an activity, like going to the movies and talking the whole time, to get out and do. The respect for others is not a priority. They may not even consider purchases, especially if there is a tasting fee, as part of the game. Tying one on is just how so many people roll. Changing that behavior is like convincing someone their politics should change.
Can wineries legitimately battle this behavior? Maybe, and some more successfully than others. Any attempt to handle this that results in hurt feelings on the part of potential customers is a risk and I don’t know how different winery owners or tasting room managers will value that risk.
Some of your tips are going to be recognized as pushing your personal needs onto the public. I don’t see them that way, I need them to be that way too for an optimal experience, but thinking like the other half, I could see how offense could be taken. Who I am to tell someone whether they shouldn’t layer on the perfume, especially if they are out with their new boyfriend? I would hope they would understand the reason, but that is wishful thinking for some people.
Jason
I can’t really argue with anything you’re saying here… so I won’t.
But, just because that’s how some people act/are doesn’t make it right or mean that I have to sit back quietly and let it happen
Most certainly speak your mind. I’m just thinking your likely audience is already converted!
Jason
If I could applaud over the Internet, I would. But, then again, the people who visit this site already know those “rules.” We go to wineries to taste, enjoy, and find interesting things to drink. The people who go to get drunk likely aren’t reading this…
I’ve noticed that Long Island wineries tend to get the “let’s go and get drunk” crowd more than the Finger Lakes wineries, at least whenever I’ve been there. Maybe it’s the proximity to New York City, maybe it’s the fact that on LI you get more actual busses in addition to the limos. But aside from the one story I remember a couple of years ago about some drunk getting violent in the FLX, I can’t remember seeing too many drunks upstate.
Paul, I don’t think that’s true at all. I think the tourism “let’s go get drunk” mentality is just as prevalent in the Finger Lakes, if not more. There are just many more wineries in the Finger Lakes to support the larger number — and there are more wineries up there that truly cater to those groups too, I think. And, knowing you as I do, I know that most if not all of the tasting rooms you frequent in the Finger Lakes are NOT among them.
On Long Island, with so many fewer tasting rooms, and thus with far fewer tasting room-as-bars, I think it can look like there are more, but I don’t think there are. Plus, if you go to the right places, there is very little of that. I assume you’re not going to Vineyard 48, right?
I’d only add two minor points that go with your overall arguments- 1. Don’t be afraid to spit. Not only do those little sips add up to inebriation, they can also dull your palate. You’ll get your money’s worth through your senses, not your abv. 2. If the proprietor or winemaker is present please don’t talk their ear off about your favorite California wine/cabinet maker/breed of dog-there are those who would like to appreciate his/her wines and perhaps chat (briefly) about something more pertinent.