We loved these smart tips compiled by our friends at the Yakima Valley VCB so much that we’re posting them here so readers can get the most out of Spring Barrel Tasting events happening in Washington State over the coming weeks. Check the calendar for upcoming wine events.
First, exactly what is Spring Barrel Tasting? It is a celebration of spring that brings the release of new wines, where the winemakers and staff are on hand to mingle with visitors, conduct tours and answer questions. Most will open a barrel or two of future vintages for sampling. Many wineries have live music, appetizers and present a festive mood.
Here are a few tips to help make the celebration fun for all:
It’s social so be social: Gather friends and get a limo or join an organized tour. It’s best to plan at least one night stay. Check here for a listing of local hotels in the Yakima Valley.
Take responsibility: If you do not hire a professional driver, designate a non-drinking driver. And treat the designated driver like a king or queen by buying their lunch and a bottle or two to enjoy at a later time. Note: Even if you have a designated driver, the tasting room staff is not allowed to serve you if you are impaired… it’s the law.
Get the scoop: Wineries and wine organizations have different dates, the offerings and fees (or no fees). Before you arrive, visit the wine association websites for the details on their offerings and programs. Visit Wine Yakima Valley and the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail websites for the details.
Get oriented: When you arrive, stop at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center for maps, updates and local trip planning information (address and info listed below).
Timing is everything: Friday and Sunday tend to be quieter so visit on those days.
Do it differently: Go to wineries early and in the opposite direction as everyone else is traveling. Many folks start at one end of the Yakima Valley and head to the other so consider starting with wineries in the middle of the map.
Be realistic: It’s not a marathon race. Visit no more than 4-5 wineries per day. Your taste pallet will grow numb.
Be prepared: Bring a cooler filled with bottled water and snacks. Pack a picnic, as many of the Yakima Valley wineries have picnic grounds or plan on eating lunch at one of the wineries that will be serving food. A good meal helps you to regain your palate and provides a needed break. Plus, bring a wine glass per person or be prepared to purchase one at a winery. Wine glasses are required at most wineries during event weekends. Also, if it is warm, consider a cooler for your purchased wines. Heat is bad for wine.
Try something new: Tasting from the barrel is very different then trying a finished product out of a bottle. Talk to the winemaker and staff. Ask about the flavor, process and how the wine will taste when finished. It’s a great time to gain a greater appreciation of the wine-making process.
Be Patient: The weekend draws a lot of people and staff at the wineries are working as fast as they can.
Be Respectful…of other tasters and the staff. Try not to get too pushy or grouchy. Everyone is having fun and there are just a lot of people.
Be aware: When it is busy in the tasting room, it’s important that you step up to the bar and receive your taste, then step back and take your time smelling and tasting the wine. This allows others up to the bar to get a taste. In other words, don’t monopolize the bar space in front of others who are trying to participate.
Don’t wear it: 70 to 80% of our ability to perceive flavor comes from our sense of smell. So please do not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave or any other fragrance, as it interferes with everyone’s ability to smell, and hence taste the wines. You should also refrain from chewing gum and breath mints.
Spitting and dumping is good: Just because wine is in your glass doesn’t mean you should drink it all. Believe it or not, you will enjoy it more if you don’t drink every drop. Your mouth won’t fatigue, you won’t become as intoxicated, and you will have more fun. Dumping excess wine into the provided bucket is okay. If you like the wine, buy a bottle or two.
Leave it outside: All alcohol from outside the winery being visited is not permitted. This means beer, bloody Mary’s, screwdrivers, mimosas, cosmos, etc. The wineries can actually lose their license if there is outside alcohol brought into their facilities.
Have pets? Kids? Children are always welcome at the wineries, but the crowds and focus of the event may not be suited to them. And while a many wineries are dog friendly, for this event it’s best to leave the pups at home. For resources on traveling with your dog visit our website winedoggies.com
Buy-buy! No that is not a typo, it’s an encouragement to buy wine during the event. The wineries spend a lot of time and their resources to stage a great weekend. Show your gratitude by buying wine for another day. They’ll appreciate the business, and you’ll take home some premium wines, many of which are only available at the winery itself.