Wine Tasting in Connecticut

January 30, 2018

Attending wine tasting events in Connecticut is a fun and affordable way to learn about wines that are unfamiliar to you without buying an entire bottle that you may or may not like. Such events are also a good opportunity to share wine tips with other wine enthusiasts and to learn about different wine-growing regions of the world.

What to expect at a wine tasting Connecticut

Wine tastings vary considerably from venue to venue; however, there are certain constants, things that you'll find at most wine tastings. Usually, the customers/guests will be situated on one side of a bar or counter, with the host or wine pourer on the other. Samples are usually much smaller than a glass or wine you'd buy in a bar, generally around one to two ounces. Some wineries may charge a nominal amount for the wine samples; others offer them free of charge.

If you are sampling both red and white wines, you generally start with the sweetest white wine and work up to the driest red wine.

Wine tasting etiquette

Wine tasting events are most enjoyable when everyone attending is considerate of both the other wine drinkers and the people at the wine store, winery or restaurant hosting the event. Below are just a few things to keep in mind before you attend your first wine tasting in CT:

• Avoid wearing perfume or strong cologne. These can clash with the aroma of the wines.
• Keep the volume down. Wine tastings are learning experiences for the taster and potential sales opportunities for the host. Be respectful of your host and the other tasters by saving any loud and raucous behavior for after the tasting.
• Sip, don't gulp. Wine tasting rooms and events aren't bars. Their aim is to introduce you to wines you may not be familiar with, not to get you intoxicated.
• Always have a designated driver.
• Call ahead if you have a group. If you're hosting family or friends and have more than four or six in your group, be sure to call ahead to the winery or tasting event to be sure that they can accommodate you.

Wine tasting events in CT

There are numerous wine tasting events in and around Connecticut. Just a few of our favorite wine tasting Connecticut venues include:

1. The Connecticut Wine Trail. Most of the 25 wineries along the Connecticut Wine Trail offer tastings to the public. Some are open only on weekends; others are open during the week.

2. Connecticut Wine Festival. If you happen to be in Connecticut during July, the Connecticut Wine Festival takes place the last weekend of July and offers an opportunity to sample a variety of local wines without doing a lot of driving. The event sets up at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, CT.

Wine tasting is a great way to spend a cold late fall or winter afternoon. However, before you go, be sure to read up on what to expect. You and those around you will have a more enjoyable time if you do.

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