The Yay and Nay of Visiting a Cellar Door at a Winery

Many wineries offer cellar door tastings, some free and some for a small fee. Checking the winery's website beforehand gives you an idea of the protocol they follow. It used to be fine to show up without a booking, but since the internet and the Covid-19 pandemic it's become common practice to book in advance. Booking also lets you reserve a table for a meal, where you can further enjoy the wines you've tasted.

The cellar door experience is a fun way to taste and learn about a winery's wines. It's a chance to build your wine knowledge and confidence in an informed way with friends. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to share the technical details and vision behind the wines, as well as answer any questions you have.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your cellar door experience.

Yay

• Check the winery's website to see if they offer varietals you generally enjoy.
• Be adventurous and try wines outside your comfort zone.
• Remember that tastings add up, so bring a designated driver.
• Ask the wine steward questions about the wines — such as what you should be smelling, and how the location affects the taste.
• Order food from the list provided if you're doing a large tasting. The menus are designed to keep your palate clear.
• Swirl, sniff, sip, and spit.
• Politely ask for a spittoon before you begin, especially for a large "flight" of wines. It's good practice to spit.
• Politely tip out wines that don't suit your palate. Avoid being overly negative — these wines are the craft of the people serving you.
• Take a stroll around the landscape and snap some pictures with friends if the tasting room is crowded.
• Book a spot at the onsite restaurant or accommodation if you want to keep the day going.
• Buy a few bottles at the end of your tasting if you find something you love.

Nay

• Avoid wearing perfume — it can interfere with your own tasting experience and that of others.
• Wear comfortable footwear like flats or wedges; high heels can be dangerous underfoot, where you'll usually find pebbles, cobbles, brick paths and grass lawns.
• Avoid heavy lipstick, as it makes a mess of the glass. Glasses are usually changed as you move from white to rosé to red, but not between vintages of the same wine.
• Don't rinse your glass with water — wait for your host to serve fresh glasses.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion. A cellar door visit is a nice outing with professional staff and a liquor licence.
• Avoid coffee before your first wine, as it can severely impinge on your taste buds.
• Avoid brushing your teeth right before a tasting — the minty freshness will be all you taste.
• Don't block the spittoon so others can't use it.
• Don't lounge in front of the tasting bar and block others. Lounging and drinking have their place, away from the tasting room.
• Don't be grumpy if a tasting can't be provided during "Vintage". This is an all-hands-on-deck time of year for wineries; booking and calling ahead prevents disappointment.
• Don't argue about a tasting fee. In New Zealand, these range from around $15 per person to a fee charged per wine — $25 is not uncommon for a flight of "Reserve" wines.
• Don't get drunk. If alcohol is part of your day out, book a spot at the paid bar or restaurant afterwards. If you're visiting several cellars in one day, book the best restaurant as your final destination to avoid any issues with inebriation.