But...I didn't like anything

But...I didn't like anything

You walk into a winery and spend time sampling their selection of wines...but there's a problem. You didn't particularly like any of them. What should you do?

As a frequent wine taster, I have had this dilemma on several occasions. The wine wasn't bad, it just didn't suite my particular taste. The first time this happened I had to stop and think. What do I owe this winery? I believe there are two things that a wine taster owes the winery.

The first thing a wine taster owes the winery is respect. Winemakers work very hard and they are extremely proud of the wines they offer. I'm sure they understand that not every taster that walks through the door will enjoy their wine. Please be polite - try to resist making a face (though there have been times I really wanted to), or making derogatory comments. The word "interesting" is a good word to use when you don't have anything nice to say.

I believe the second thing a wine taster owes the winery is some type of purchase...especially if you have sampled many of their wines. I can only think of one time that I left a winery without buying something to take home. At this particular winery, you were required to purchase a glass in order to participate in a tasting - and it ended up costing $7.00 per person to sample wine. It was also a large, busy winery and no one even noticed that I left without wine to take home. We were running late for a dinner reservation and realized we needed to leave quickly.

If I like the wine, I may leave with a case. If the wine was so-so, I usually leave with a bottle (at least a decent dinner wine). If I really didn't care for any of the wine, I usually make some kind of purchase from their gift shop...but I do purchase something.

Please be a respectful wine sampler. Most states offer free wine sampling...but that's not so people can hop from winery to winery getting drunk for free. The winemakers want you to sample their wine in hopes that you will buy some. If you enjoy drinking wine, please support the industry and make a purchase.