How to Wine Taste Like a Pro (Without Being a Snob)
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So, you want to get into wine tasting but don’t want to be the guy swirling his glass like it’s a magic potion while reciting tasting notes like a sommelier at the Oscars? Good news—you don’t have to. Wine tasting can be fun, laid-back, and actually useful if you know a few key moves.
Let’s break down how to sip, swirl, and pretend like you know what you’re doing—all while keeping things casual (and maybe even impressing your friends).
Step 1: Look at It (Yes, Really)
Before you take a sip, hold the glass up to the light. Why? Because the color can tell you a lot about the wine’s age and even how bold it might be.
- White wines get darker as they age (golden to amber).
- Red wines do the opposite—starting out bold and deep, then fading to brick red or brown.
- Rosé stays cute and pink. No surprises there.
If you see little bits floating around (sediment), don’t panic. It usually just means it’s an older, well-aged wine—or that your friend needs to clean their glassware better.
Step 2: Swirl It (Without Looking Like a Tool)
Swirling helps release the wine’s aromas and make you look like you know what you’re doing. Just place your glass on a table, move it in a small circle, and watch those “legs” drip down the side.
- Thick, slow-moving legs? More alcohol. (Hello, hangover.)
- Thin, fast-moving legs? Lighter-bodied and lower alcohol—great for keeping things classy.
Bonus: If you spill your wine mid-swirl, just say you're “aerating aggressively.”
Step 3: Smell It Like You Mean It
Stick your nose all the way in there and take a big whiff. If you’re getting hints of “red fruit,” “oak,” or “earthy undertones,” congratulations—you’ve just experienced wine marketing jargon.
For real, though, here’s what to look for:
- Fruity notes: Berries, citrus, apples, or stone fruits.
- Earthy notes: Tobacco, leather, or “barnyard” (yes, that’s a thing).
- Oaky notes: Vanilla, caramel, or smoke—usually from being aged in barrels.
And if it just smells like wine? That’s cool too.
Step 4: Sip Like You Care
Now for the best part—the taste test. Take a small sip, hold it in your mouth for a second, and swish it around. You’re looking for three things:
- Sweetness: Is it dry, off-dry, or super sweet?
- Acidity: Does it make your mouth water like a Sour Patch Kid?
- Tannins: That drying sensation—like if your tongue just met a piece of sandpaper.
Basically, if it tastes good, you’re doing it right.
Step 5: The Finish (AKA, Swallow or Spit?)
You’ll hear wine pros talk about “the finish.” This just means how long the flavor sticks around. If it disappears faster than your willpower at happy hour, it’s a short finish. If you’re still tasting it 30 seconds later, that’s a long finish.
And no, you don’t have to spit—it’s just something snobs do at tastings to stay sober. We say drink up.
Final Thoughts: Wine Without the Snobbery
Wine tasting doesn’t have to be serious. If you can look, swirl, sniff, and sip, you’re already ahead of the game. And if all else fails, just nod and say “Mmm, interesting” when someone asks what you think.
Want to show off your love for the finer things? Check out Beer Strong’s wine-inspired collection—because who says beer lovers can’t enjoy a good glass of red? Browse here!