Wine 101: How to Taste Wine Without Feeling Silly
Let’s be honest—wine tasting can feel a little… extra.
People swirling with intensity. Talking about “forest floor” and “graphite.” Nodding solemnly like the glass just delivered a sermon.
But here’s the truth: wine tasting isn’t a performance.
It’s not about passing a test or sounding like a sommelier. It’s about noticing what’s in your glass. That’s it. That’s the magic.
So let’s break it down, Revival-style—no snobbery, just soul.
Step 1: Look
Hold your glass at an angle.
What do you see?
Pale and clear? Could be a zippy white or a light red like Pinot.
Deep and inky? You’re probably staring into the soul of a Syrah.
Color can tell you a lot about a wine’s age, grape, and intensity. But you don’t need to overthink it. Just observe. Notice. That’s the whole point.
Step 2: Swirl + Sniff
Give it a little spin in the glass. No wrist theatrics required.
Now take a slow, deep inhale.
What shows up first?
Fruit? Spice? Flowers? Something earthy?
There are no wrong answers. If it smells like cherry pie, wild herbs, or your childhood backyard after the rain—that’s real. That’s you connecting with the wine.
Step 3: Sip
Take a small mouthful and let it coat your whole mouth.
(Yes, you can slurp a little. We won’t judge.)
Now tune in:
What’s the texture like? Silky, grippy, zesty?
What flavors come through—fruit, herbs, toast, tea, smoke?
What’s the finish like—does it vanish or linger like a favorite lyric?
This isn’t about flexing vocabulary.
It’s about listening to your senses.
Step 4: Trust Yourself
You don’t need to say “blackcurrant” if all you can think is “dark juice box at a fancy party.” That’s valid. That’s real.
Wine is personal.
Your descriptors are your superpower. The more you taste, the more language you’ll naturally develop. But even if you never use the word “tannin” in your life—you can still be a brilliant taster.
The Revival Way: Taste with Curiosity, Not Ego
Wine tasting is just… paying attention.
It’s an act of presence. A moment of connection between land, grape, maker, and you.
So whether you’re sipping from a tasting flight or a Tuesday glass on your couch, just ask:
What do I notice?
What do I feel?
Do I like it?
That’s it. You’re tasting. You’re doing it.
Because at Revival, we believe wine is a conversation, not a competition.
And if your wine notes sound more like poetry than textbook?
Even better.
-Mickey