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Which local wine tastings best suit wine novice ‘s palate?
I received an email from a reader who wants a bit of guidance concerning Dayton-area wine tastings, and I thought I’d solicit the help of Uncorked readers in answering his question. What would you tell him?
My wife and I are not very familiar with wine, but would like to go to some tastings. We are beginners, but would like to know if you could advise some of the better wine tasting events in the area for someone new in this interest. I work part-time at (a local food-and-kitchen-themed store) as a second job, and get asked questions all the time about wines, but I am not much help and need to get more familiar with various wines. Any help would be appreciated.
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By Rich
October 1, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
One spot that I have been to in the last few months is Savona Restaurant in Centerville. They have a tasting once a month on the 2nd Wednesday and feature wines from their list. The presenter provides a tasting sheet that each guest can read about the wines poured. Savona provides an array of appetizers for the whinos to taste with the wines as well. The tasting is casual and informative.By Niki
September 30, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Although the previous suggestions are all good, I also suggest going to Cuvee (on SR725 just east of Wilmington Pike), during one of the off-peak times, and talking with Jessica. Cuvee offers wine tastings whenever they’re open (Tues-Sat from around 11 to 7, I think). Going at a time when they aren’t likely to be very busy (any time BUT Friday eve or Saturday afternoon/eve) will ensure that staff has more time to spend answering questions and helping beginners learn what wines they enjoy. The best thing about learning about wine is that the best way to learn is to taste lots of wine! And don’t be afraid to dump what you don’t want to drink, or to share tastes with your spouse, so that you can taste/learn more than you might otherwise :-)By chiefwino
September 30, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
P.S. One final tip and it may sound geeky, write stuff down. You don’t need a fancy wine journal book, but any type of easy to carry notebook will do. Jot down the information about the wine (winery name, grape, region, price) and your personal tasting notes as well as what other people are saying about the wine. I have found for most people the acting of writing the information helps you remember it whether you actually go back and look at your notes later or not. It is very easy to forget the details if you wait even a few hours to record the information. You can also use this to track what you taste on your own at home or at restaurants not just at “official” tastings.By chiefwino
September 30, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Any of the good wine shops around town will be glad to help, particularly during the Saturday tastings. (See the list published here each week) It usually easier to talk to the store personnel or the guest pourer (sales rep, wine maker, etc.) if you go earlier in the day when it is less crowded. You will get more undivided attention that during the late afternoon rush. Don’t be afraid to attend the Saturday afternoon get togethers, while many of the regular winos have known each other for years, most are ready and willing to share their experiences and wines. We all started out as novices at some point. For more structured education/classes some of the shops also teach those. There is also a wine class at UD. The American Wine Society (www.americanwinesociety.org/) meets monthly and conducts tastings focusing on particular regions or grape varietals. Last month’s theme was Rieslings; this month’s will be Provence and the Southern Rhone regions of France. There are plenty of formal and informal tastings, the most important step is just show up and start trying different things. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of either the store staff, winery rep, or the regular winos. Finally, there are plenty of good books for info and reference. I recommend “Wine for Dummies” and the “Wine Bible by Karen McNeil” for starters. Both are readily available at bookstores or online. Good luck with your exploration of the grapes.By John
September 30, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
The two best places to find information about wines are Arrow Wine and Dorothy Lane Market. Each has very knowledgeable people who are friendly and interested in helping you. Another great place for help buying wine south of town is A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg.