At a recent visit to a Pennsylvanian winery, I noticed a customer who cautiously entered the tasting room. He appeared uncertain. The wineologist asked if he would like to do a tasting, how it worked and the cost. He replied that he only wanted to buy a bottle of sweet wine. She offered him a free tasting of their popular red sweet wine. He took just a sip and asked if he could purchase a bottle of that. He then quickly exited.

I have some comments about the observances. Many people enjoy sweet wines. So many that unless a winery is located in an area where there is a large population of dry wine drinkers, a business plan must contain a portfolio of sweet wines. Many wineries throughout the country have indicated that their sweet wines out sell their dry wines. People shouldn’t apologize for drinking sweet. If you like sweet wines, buy sweet wines.

If you walk into a tasting room and see people swirling and smelling their wine, don’t freak out. Just ignore them, or if you are interested ask them what they are doing. I have had many people ask what I was doing. Of course I usually launch into teacher mode but they seem pleased with their newfound knowledge.

Don’t be afraid to taste a wine. It is proper to taste and spit. If there isn’t a bucket ask for one. If spitting is too embarrassing ask for a paper cup. One of the many advantages of visiting winery tasting rooms is to taste wines. If you like sweet, taste several sweet wines before you decide which one to buy. To some, a tasting room can be intimidating. It can also offer wonderful learning experiences and a chance to meet people.

Cheers,
Terry