Wine Country Etiquette and Tasting Tips

• Always have a designated driver. Many wineries will have refreshments just for designated drivers.
• Plan ahead of time and select three to five wineries for a single day tour.  Picking a few that are near each other will help with a successful tour.  Don’t forget the wineries in the outlying areas.
• Be aware of individual winery hours of business.
• Be sure to drink lots of water during the day to prevent dehydration.
• You do not have to drink each entire taste of wine. If you’re tasting 5 or 6 wines at 4 wineries for the day it will all add up. Take a couple of sips and pour the rest out into the spittoon. Typically, wineries serve one-ounce pours. As a reference point, there are four to six ounces of wine in a typical glass.
• Please be patient when entering a crowded tasting room. The staff will do their best to serve you as they can.
• Please be respectful of your confirmed appointment times. Take a few minutes to understand the length of time from one winery to another when mapping your day.
• Bring the proper identification. Winery staff will check if you are of age.
• If you are bringing children on a wine tour with you, make sure to keep an eye on them so they do not disrupt other guests.  Bring a toy or game to occupy your child and a snack or drink.
• Bring a sweater or jacket as certain areas of the winery may be kept cold.
• Bringing a pet? Please check with the wineries ahead of time to see if they are dog friendly.
• Do not leave purchased wines in a hot car.  Bring a cooler with ice packs inside.
• Do not leave pets or children in hot cars while tasting or touring at wineries.
• Many of the small wineries don’t work with distributors so if you find wines that you like, you should purchase them from the tasting room because you are likely not find them in stores.

Tasting Tips

• Don’t wear perfume or cologne. It will interfere with your ability to smell and taste the wines.
• When tasting, swirl the wine in your glass and look at its color.
• Before taking a sip, put your nose inside the glass and take a deep breath and notice the aromas.
• As you take a sip of wine, notice how it feels and tastes in your mouth at first and then swish it around on your tongue before swallowing. Your opinion of the taste may change, so do not rush to swallow.  Always take another taste, the first might be affected by your previous wine or food.
• Eat crackers, bread and cheese between tastings to cleanse your palate.
• If you don’t know the difference between wine varieties, don’t be afraid to ask.
• If you have questions or don’t understand the terminology, winemakers and tasting room staff are happy to explain.
• If you do not like a certain wine, do not make negative comments about it. Simply state that it is not your favorite, and taste another one.

Who is WTWT and what do you offer?

The Wine Trail of West Tennessee (WTWT) is a non-profit marketing and promotions association for seven west Tennessee member wineries.

Does WTWT host winery or vineyard tours? Do the Member wineries host winery or vineyard tours?

The Wine Trail of West Tennessee is not a tour company, however the member wineries may offer tours of their winery/vineyard on select days, times and for a nominal fee. We suggest that you contact each specific member Winery, or review the member Winery’s website, as to winery tour offerings. Want to plan your own winery tour?  You can by using WTWT’s interactive map(link).

What time do the wine trails begin/end?

Each wine trail has designated start and end dates. Please refer to the wine trail details on the WTWT website. In regards to the member winery’s hours of operation during a wine trail, each individual winery will open/close according to their own prescribed business hours.  Please see the wineries(link) page for each winery’s regular business hours.

I will be in town this weekend and am looking for winery events.

For winery-sponsored events, please check the events(link) page on our website.

What is the best time of year to visit the member wineries?

It depends on what you are looking for: Winter is a little slower and less busy in the tasting rooms. In the Spring, the vines are starting to bloom while in the summer, the vines are green and harvest is beginning. Fall is cooler and there are many winery events happening.

Can we buy wine from WTWT?

No, WTWT is not a winery and we do not produce nor sell wine. Each member Winery sells their own wines.

Does WTWT distribute wines? Where?

No, WTWT is not a winery and we do not produce or sell wine.  A number of our member wineries do distribute. We suggest you contact the member wineries directly as to where and which wines are distributed.