Tasting Tip Tuesdays: Go on Yucky Days

For those who aren’t familiar with tasting rooms at wineries, they are typically staffed by three kinds of people:

1. Retired people who enjoy wine, and talking with people
   
2. ​Family members of the winery owner/maker/operator who work to help out the family business
   
3. People who love drinking wine and the benefits that working at a winery provides

One thing you will notice about all of the above is that none of them are there for the money, because very few of them make higher than minimum wage (plus the very-occasional tip).  Servers are there because, let's be honest, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon.  If you go into a tasting room and don’t like the vibe; leave.  It happens all the time, and no one will be offended!

If you are intimidated by the idea of “wine tasting” or are afraid it would be a snooty experience, I highly recommend going for the first time on a rainy afternoon.  People don’t think of heading to the wineries on rainy days, so the tasting rooms are very likely to be pretty quiet.  Tasting room staff love talking to people and are always happy to answer any questions you have or help you find a wine you like.  If it’s quiet, they will have the time to give you much more time, attention, and information so you will likely leave far less intimidated.