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Tip for First-Time Wine Tasters

Tip for First-Time Wine Tasters

If you’re looking for a relaxed and unpretentious escape from the throngs of tasting crowds found in Napa, El Dorado County is the perfect destination. Dotted with dozens of family-owned wineries offering a fine selection of vino at affordable prices, it’s a beautiful place in the Sierras that provides a memorable experience for wine lovers.

But if you have never been on a wine tour before, you may find yourself asking questions like,

“Which wineries should I visit?”

“Will I get drunk?”

“How do I plan the tour?”

Fret not, because we have you covered with our tips for first-time wine tasters.

Read on for a few things you should do when on an El Dorado County wine-tasting tour.

Plan your route

The El Dorado Wine Region may be new to you, but it was actually the third largest among wine producers in the state by 1870. Today it has some of the best and most charming wineries and vineyards in California. If you want to visit more than one, plan your route so that all the wineries are close to each other. This way, you can make the most of your time, instead of driving extra miles from one to the next!

Make your reservations in advance

Making reservations is essential, especially if you have a large group. Most El Dorado County wineries offer a small and intimate tasting experience and may be unable to accommodate a group at the last minute. Moreover, reservations mean you will be able to enjoy more personalized services. Also, check the wineries’ websites to see if they have any special rules for kids and pets.

Dress for the occasion

No need for formal wear while wine tasting in El Dorado. You should avoid dangling sleeves or other details that could knock over a glass of wine. Wear comfortable shoes like flats and low heels because wineries usually have uneven ground surfaces like gravel and cobblestone.

Have a designated driver

You can get tipsy on a wine tour. This is why it is crucial that you have a designated driver so that you and your companions can travel safely after the tour. Your designated driver can still enjoy the beautiful setting, the education, and the relaxation. For wine tasters, it is entirely acceptable to sip and spit. Wineries are not offended, and it is a great way to keep yourself in check.

Ready to put these tips to good use? Plan the perfect wine getaway to El Dorado County with Visit El Dorado. Browse through our website to learn all about the best wineries in Placerville and surrounding areas so that you can have the most memorable wine-tasting experience.

Photo courtesy of Mirador Winery

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Tip for First-Time Wine Tasters
Tip for First-Time Wine Tasters
Tip for First-Time Wine Tasters
Tip for First-Time Wine Tasters

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