How to taste wine like you mean it

Wine Culture

Jun 1

Swirling your glass might feel performative, but there’s purpose behind it. At Taste and Savor, we believe tasting wine should feel less like a ritual and more like a revelation. Whether you’re new to wine or just tired of nodding along, here’s how to actually engage your senses and taste what’s in your glass.

The basics of wine tasting

You don’t need a sommelier pin to get this right. You just need curiosity and a clean glass. Whether you’re sipping at home or joining one of our curated wine tastings, these steps will help you slow down, pay attention, and enjoy what’s in front of you.

Step 1: Look

Color tells a story. Hold the glass at an angle over a white surface and take in the hue. Whites grow darker with age, reds lighten. Notice clarity. Still or sparkling, you want brilliance.

Step 2: Swirl

This isn’t just for flair. Swirling releases aroma molecules and helps oxygen meet the wine. The trick: keep the base on the table and move it in slow circles.

Step 3: Smell

Stick your nose in. Really. Aroma is everything. You’re not just smelling wine—you’re picking up on fruit, herbs, florals, spice, oak, or earth. Take a few short sniffs. Don’t overthink it.

Step 4: Sip

Let the wine move around your mouth. Hit all zones: front, sides, back, even under your tongue. Notice body (how it feels), acid (mouthwatering?), sweetness, tannins (that dry sensation), and finish (does it linger?).

Step 5: Think

Ask yourself: did it surprise you? Would you pour it again? What did you love or not? You don’t need textbook answers. You just need a reaction. The most interesting notes are your own.

What makes a good tasting experience?

It’s not about price points or knowing every varietal. A good tasting feels personal, unhurried, and just a little indulgent. It gives you something to talk about. Something to remember. That’s what we pour here - wines worth the conversation.

Taste with us in Fort Collins

Want to put your palate to the test? Join us for a guided tasting at Taste and Savor, where we rotate flights weekly and spotlight unexpected pours from around the globe. Whether you’re here to learn, unwind, or just sip something new, you’re in the right place.