Your First Wine Tasting: What to Expect and How to Fake It Like a Pro
Attending your first wine tasting can be intimidating. There’s the swirling of glasses, the sniffing of aromas, and people describing flavours you’ve never heard of — things like “forest floor”, “wet stone” or “green apple on the nose”. But don’t worry. Everyone starts somewhere, and wine tastings are meant to be enjoyable, not stressful. With a few insider tips, you can navigate your first tasting with confidence and even look like a seasoned pro while doing it.
What Actually Happens at a Wine Tasting
A wine tasting is less about showing off knowledge and more about exploration. You’ll usually sample a range of wines — from light, crisp whites and delicate rosés to full-bodied reds and maybe even a dessert wine to finish. The host, sommelier or winemaker will often introduce each wine, sharing details about where it comes from, the grape variety, how it was made, and what makes it special.
It’s not uncommon for tastings to follow a specific order: whites before reds, lighter wines before heavier ones, and dry wines before sweet. This progression helps your palate adjust gradually, allowing you to appreciate the subtleties in each glass.
The Ritual: Swirl, Sniff, Sip
When your glass is poured, resist the urge to drink immediately. Take a moment to look at the wine — notice its colour and clarity. Hold the glass by the stem (to avoid warming the wine with your hand), and give it a gentle swirl. This helps to release the aromas trapped in the liquid. Then, bring the glass to your nose and take a slow sniff.
You don’t have to identify every aroma — it’s enough to notice whether it smells fruity, floral, earthy or spicy. When you finally taste, take a small sip and let it roll around your mouth. Try to notice how it feels: Is it light or full-bodied? Is it sharp, smooth, or slightly dry? Pay attention to the aftertaste, or “finish”, as this often reveals the wine’s complexity.
If you want to sound like a pro, you can casually mention words such as acidity, tannins or body — just don’t overdo it. Wine appreciation is about personal enjoyment, not performance. Even professional sommeliers don’t agree on every flavour they detect.
How to Handle Yourself Like You Know What You’re Doing
The best trick to “faking it like a pro” is actually very simple: act curious rather than clever. Ask questions, listen to others, and don’t be afraid to share your honest impressions. If you like a wine, say so — and if you don’t, that’s fine too. Tasting notes like “too dry for me” or “I prefer fruitier styles” are perfectly valid.
Most hosts love when guests show genuine interest. Ask about the grapes, the vintage year, or where the vineyard is located. You could even ask for recommendations — it shows enthusiasm and helps you learn faster.
And yes, you’ll often see a spittoon or bucket nearby. Some people spit after tasting to avoid getting tipsy (especially when there are lots of wines to try). If you’re not comfortable doing that, it’s perfectly fine to swallow — just pace yourself and sip water between wines.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
1. Don’t wear strong perfume or aftershave.
Scents can interfere with your ability to smell the wine properly.
2. Eat a little beforehand.
Tasting on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Have some bread, cheese, or something light before you begin.
3. Stay hydrated.
Keep a glass of water handy to cleanse your palate and stay fresh.
4. Take notes.
You don’t need to write an essay — just jot down which wines you liked and why. It’ll help you remember later.
5. Go easy.
There’s no need to finish every sample. The idea is to taste, not to drink a full glass of each wine.
Above all, remember that wine tastings are meant to be social and fun. People attend to learn, chat, and share an experience — not to judge. Once you relax into the flow, you’ll find that the atmosphere is far more welcoming than you might expect.
The Point of It All
Wine tastings are all about discovery — discovering new styles, new regions, and most importantly, what you personally enjoy. You might find that you love bright, zesty Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, or perhaps you prefer deep, velvety Malbecs from Argentina. There’s no right or wrong answer; the goal is simply to explore.
Each sip tells a story — of the vineyard, the soil, the weather, and the people behind it. Learning to taste is like learning to listen more closely. Over time, you’ll begin to notice patterns: maybe you enjoy wines with low tannins, or you’re drawn to those with a hint of oak or spice. That’s when the fun really begins — when wine becomes not just a drink, but a journey.
Keep Tasting, Keep Learning
The more you taste, the more you’ll understand your palate and preferences. You don’t need to attend formal tastings every week — you can continue exploring at home, with friends, or even online. Keep an open mind, try different grape varieties, and revisit wines you didn’t like before — sometimes your taste changes as you learn.
If you’d like to keep that sense of discovery alive, Brad’s Wine Subscription is a brilliant way to do it. Each month, you’ll receive expertly chosen wines delivered straight to your door — from familiar favourites to hidden gems from lesser-known regions. Every delivery comes with tasting notes and pairing suggestions, helping you learn a little more with every bottle.
You can build your confidence, explore new flavours, and host your own mini tastings at home. It’s the perfect way to enjoy good wine without the pressure, while slowly becoming the person in your friend group who actually knows what they’re talking about.
So, take a deep breath, raise your glass, and remember — wine tasting isn’t about faking it; it’s about finding what you love. And with Brad’s Wine Subscription guiding your journey, you’ll be sipping, swirling and sounding like a pro in no time.
Read our verified customer reviews
Only €58 for 6 mixed bottles
Free EU home delivery
View Our Five Star Reviews
New selections every month
Special gifts included
Subscribe Online