The tradition of wine drinking has a long history, but it’s been said to have started when there was a water shortage in Italy during ancient times. Wine became a necessity as opposed to a luxury, and it came to represent nourishment and life.
Wine is a sophisticated drink that requires several years to perfect, and each bottle is fermented with history and science.
Also, many people enjoy drinking wine because it is soothing, a great meal partner, and has several beneficial health effects. Thus, if you are someone who has just started enjoying wine, here are some of the tips you must.
Eat Before You Drink
You’ve probably heard the phrase “don’t drink on an empty stomach” more times than you can count, from your physician to a thoughtful friend before a big night out.
It is because food in the stomach slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream by holding it in the stomach longer, preventing you from being intoxicated quickly.
If you’re planning to enjoy the rest of your night with a clear mind, then make sure to fill your stomach with food before going for a sip of wine. In that way, you can have a lot of time to enjoy the wine.
Find the Perfect Spot to Drink
To fully feel and enhance your drinking experience, finding the right place to enjoy sipping wine is as important as finding the right wine to drink with. Although any place can be considered an ideal place to drink, it also heavily depends on the vibes and the event you are going out for.
If you are meeting with friends for a drink somewhere in the US, you can go to the French Laundry in Yountville, California. It is one of the most renowned restaurants in the world, and it just so happens to have an amazing wine list.
If you’re looking for a truly luxurious wine-drinking experience, this is the place to go.
New York City is also home to some of the best wine bars in the country, but one that stands out is Union Square Cafe. The wines here are amazing, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic night out or a night on the town with friends.
When it comes to wine, Europe knows what’s up. The Old World is home to some of the best vineyards and wineries, producing some of the most iconic wines. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sunny coastline of Spain, there is no shortage of gorgeous locations to enjoy a nice glass of vino.
According to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, a place like a whiskey bar in the vicinity can be a great idea to enjoy and relax if you plan on visiting Australia. With its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the country’s best wines.
The Barossa Valley is also one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, and it’s easy to see why. There are over 150 wineries in the Barossa Valley, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
Avoid Putting Ice on Your Wine
Those who prefer to drink wine the traditional way will tell you that putting ice in the glass is a sure way to spoil a good wine. A good reason is that adding ice to wine dilutes it, essentially muting all the flavors you’d usually experience with water.
Aside from that, you are primarily changing the wine’s composition because it is already a mixture of chemicals that the producer has balanced in such a way that the wine is fantastic, and adding ice changes it.
Use the Right Type of Wine Glass
A wine glass’s shape and structure can have a significant effect on the tasting experience. The amount of air that comes into direct contact with the drink, the whiff that enters your nose, and the point at which the wine touches your tongue are all affected by the shape and size of the glass.
If you genuinely enjoy wine, the glass you use is purely and simply a foundation for a brimming passion. As a result, choose the appropriate size, shape, and material for your wine glass to enhance your drinking experience.
Pour Only the Right Amount
The standard pour of wine is 5 ounces (roughly 150 milliliters), which applies to both red and white wines. Even though there are numerous wine glasses, 5 ounces is still the standard.
Furthermore, filling the wine glass to the brim may be more convenient because it requires less refilling, but it is not recommended. Because filling a wine glass causes the wine to have a closed-off flavor and aroma, making your wine-drinking experience less pleasurable, and swirling the wine causes it to spill.
Check the Label
While the label does not make or break the wine, it does influence whether or not someone purchases it. Moreover, a person unfamiliar with wine and who wishes to experiment will also depend heavily on the wine label.
Also, studying the label of the wine you are planning to drink will give you information about it and the best foods to pair with it, making the drinking experience more memorable. Thus, for your upcoming dinner date or night out with friends, make sure first to read the wine’s label.
Hold the Glass Correctly
Your hands, particularly your palms, emit heat. As a result, excessive skin contact with a wine glass can alter the wine’s temperature, which is crucial for bringing out a wine’s intended depth of flavor and characteristics.
Even though there is nothing wrong with consuming wine as it warms up, too much warming can end up causing the wine to taste different. In addition, certain wines are intended to be consumed at specific temperatures, so holding the glass by the stem prevents the wine from warming up.
Slow Down Intake and Enjoy
Relaxing, sitting back, and enjoying every sip is the most important aspect of drinking a good time. While it is essential to have the right wine-dine pairings, glassware, and other nitty-gritty for a perfect evening, it is also essential to relax to truly enjoy a glass of wine.
Don’t rush into gulping down your wine, and slowly enjoy each sip and aroma. In that way, you can appreciate the wine and the moment simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
You can handle wine like a pro if you know a few tricks and tips, whether you’re drinking a glass yourself to enjoy or selecting and serving wine for a social gathering. Hopefully, the advice provided above will assist you in taking your wine-drinking experience to a higher level.
