An Easy, Step-by-Step Guide for Every Wine Lover
You don’t need a sommelier pin or a trip to a vineyard to enjoy tasting wine like a pro. All you need is a little curiosity, a quiet moment and your favourite glass. Wine tasting isn’t about getting it „right“ – it’s about slowing down enough to notice what’s right in front of you.
So pour a glass, take a breath, and let’s walk through the simple steps of tasting wine with confidence and joy.
Step 1: Look
Before you taste, just look. Hold the glass at an angle over a white background ( a napkin or piece o paper works fine). Notice the color – is it deep ruby, pale gold, or something in between?
The hue tells you about the grape, the age, and sometimes even the flavour intensity.
Tip: Younger reds tend to be brighter, older ones shift towards brick tones. Whites grow deeper with age.
Step 2: Swirl & Smell
Swirl gently to release aromas – this adds oxygen and opens the wine. Then take a slow, curious sniff. Don’t worry about fancy terminology. Start simple. Can you pick out fruit? Flowers? Something earthy or spicy?
Pro trick: Pause and smell again a few seconds later – aromas change as air hits the wine.
Step 3: Sip Slowly
Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. Notice the first impression (fruit, spice, sweetness), then what lingers – the finish. Does it feel light and crisp or full and velvety?
Try this: compare sips from the same bottle over 15 minutes. Temperature and air transform flavour.
Step 4: Reflect
Ask yourself: Did I like it? Would I pour it again? What moment does it fit? That’s the real art of tasting – connecting wine with feeling, memory or mood.
To make it easier, I created a simple Free Wine Tasting Sheet you can download and fill in as you sip. It helps you notice color, aroma, flavour and that little something extra that makes a wine memorable
Download Your Free Wine Tasting Sheet Here
You can jot notes in each time you try a new bottle. And soon, you’l start recognizing what you truly love.
Step 5: Compare & Learn
Try tasting two wines side by side – maybe a Pinot Noir and a Merlot, or a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll start noticing differences in color, aroma, texture and finish.
Final Sip
Wine tasting isn’t about expertise. It’s about presence. It’s taking time to notice, to slow down, to enjoy what’s in your glass. The more you practice, the more you’ll trust your own palate.
My Wine Picks for Your Next Tasting
If you’re ready to start exploring, here are a few bottles that pair beautifully with this guide – each one offering a little something different to discover.
Light & Fresh
- Vinotasia Sauvignon Blanc – crips citrusy, perfect for sunny afternoons
- Vinotasia Pinot Grigio – smooth, refreshing, ideal for casual sipping
Smooth & Fruity
- Vinotasia Pinot Noir – soft red fruit and spice, perfect for beginners
- Vinotasia Merlot – round and velvety, pairs beautifully with cozy dinner
Bold & Rich
- Vinotasia Syrah – deep, smoky, perfect for slow evenings
- Vinotasia Carbernet Sauvignon – full bodied and classic, made for savouring
Tip: Try picking one white and one red from this list to practice comparing colour, aroma, and flavour side-by-side.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you.