We’ve all been there—holding a glass of wine, giving it a swirl, sniffing, sipping, and wondering: Am I doing this right?
The truth is, you don’t need a vineyard, a sommelier badge, or a library of wine books to taste wine like a professional. With just a few simple steps and a little awareness, anyone can elevate their wine game.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to taste wine like a pro, step by step. Whether you’re a beginner, an adventurous foodie, or someone who wants to impress at the next dinner party, this is your starting point. Let’s demystify the world of wine tasting and make it not just understandable—but genuinely enjoyable.
1. Why Learn How to Taste Wine?
It’s easy to sip wine. But tasting—really tasting—is about more than just drinking. It’s about discovering what’s in your glass, unlocking the story behind the bottle, and connecting with your own preferences.
Learning how to taste wine isn’t about showing off or becoming a wine snob. It’s about sharpening your senses and enhancing your experience.
When you learn how to taste wine for beginners, you’re giving yourself tools to:
- Choose wines you’ll love every time
- Pair wines with food more intuitively
- Explore new varieties with curiosity, not confusion
- Confidently shop from curated selections like Avanti Wines
And once you start tasting with intention, you’ll never sip the same way again.
2. What You’ll Need to Get Started
You don’t need to build a cellar or fly to Bordeaux to get started. Tasting wine like a pro just requires the right setting and a curious palate.
Here’s what helps:
- A wine glass (stemmed is ideal—it keeps the wine at the right temp)
- Neutral lighting (to see the color clearly)
- A scent-free environment (no candles or perfumes)
- A notepad or phone (optional, but useful for notes)
- A bottle of wine—start with something expressive and varietally typical
Temperature Tips:
- Reds: Serve at 16–18°C for optimal expression
- Whites: Lightly chilled at 8–10°C
- Rosés and sparkling: 6–8°C
Following these simple tips allows the wine’s true personality to shine.
3. The 5-Step Wine Tasting Method
Professionals follow a structured approach to tasting, and so can you. Once you master these steps, you’ll know exactly how to taste wine like a pro—without the intimidation.
Step 1: Look
Tilt the glass against a white background and observe the wine’s color.
Ask yourself:
- Is it pale or deep?
- Vibrant or dull?
- Clear or hazy?
Red wines tend to deepen in color as they age, shifting from ruby to garnet to brick. Whites can go from pale straw to deep gold. Color gives clues about age, grape variety, and even climate.
Step 2: Swirl
Gently swirl the wine in your glass. This does two things:
- Exposes more surface area to oxygen, releasing aromas
- Gives you a glimpse of texture—watch the “legs” (the streaks on the glass)
While the legs aren’t the whole story, they can suggest a wine that’s higher in alcohol or residual sugar.
Step 3: Sniff
Here’s where the magic begins. Your nose is your best wine tool.
- Start with a few short sniffs
- Then take one deep breath with your nose in the glass
What do you smell?
- Fruit: Is it citrus, stone fruit, berries, or dried figs?
- Floral: Jasmine, rose, violet?
- Spice & Earth: Black pepper, tobacco, leather, forest floor?
- Oak: Vanilla, toast, smoke?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. Trust your instincts and let your memory guide your associations. This is a key part of learning how to taste wine for beginners—simply describing what you feel.
Step 4: Sip
Take a small sip and let the wine roll across your tongue. This step is all about structure and sensation.
Ask yourself:
- Does the flavour match what you smelled?
- Is the acidity mouthwatering and refreshing?
- Are there tannins—a dry, grippy feeling on your gums (mostly in reds)?
- What’s the body like? Light (like water), medium, or full (like cream)?
- How long do the flavours linger?
This is where learning how to taste red wine becomes fascinating. Reds often offer a broader range of structure—from dry and tannic to juicy and soft.
Step 5: Summarise
Now reflect. This is your chance to build your wine vocabulary and train your palate.
Ask:
- Is it balanced? Too acidic? Too hot (alcoholic)?
- What kind of meal would this go well with?
- Do I want another sip?
Even writing down a quick “plum, leather, smooth, would buy again” is a step toward pro-level tasting.
4. Wines to Practise With
To understand how to taste wine, start with wines that are expressive, well-made, and show typical characteristics of their variety. These Avanti Wines favourites are perfect for training your palate:
- Pinot Grigio Friuli – Crisp, citrus-driven, with white peach and clean minerality
- Barbera d’Asti – Juicy, tangy red fruit, soft tannins, and a touch of spice
- Meursault – Buttery, nutty, layered—a masterclass in white Burgundy texture
- Ripasso della Valpolicella – Deep, rich, and full of dried fruit and sweet spice
- Sauvignon Blanc Friuli – Zesty, herbal, and aromatic—a great example of expressive white
The more you taste, the more confident you’ll become in identifying flavours and textures.
5. Wine Tasting Tips from Team Avanti
As you go deeper into learning how to taste wine like a pro, here are a few insider tips from our team to keep things fun and practical:
- Trust your senses – If it smells like wild berries and old books, say so. Your memory is your best tool.
- Compare side by side – Pour two wines at once and taste them alternately. The differences will be more obvious.
- Write it down – Keep a wine journal or take photos and make quick notes. Over time, patterns will emerge.
- Taste with food – Take a bite of cheese or prosciutto, then a sip of wine. Notice how they influence each other.
- Don’t stress about being right – There are no wrong answers. Wine tasting is subjective.
These are simple ways to build confidence as you explore how to taste wine for beginners without overwhelm.
6. FAQs – Quick Tips for Tasting Like a Pro
Q: Do I have to spit the wine out when tasting?
A: Only at professional tastings. At home or a casual tasting, enjoy it! But sip slowly to give your palate time to react.
Q: What’s the best way to taste red wine specifically?
A: Great question. How to taste red wine involves paying close attention to tannins and body. Reds often have more structure—let them breathe and evolve in the glass.
Q: What if I don’t smell anything?
A: Try swirling again and take your time. If you’re congested or near strong scents (like candles), your nose may be overwhelmed.
Q: Can I taste wine without food?
A: Absolutely. But pairing food can reveal different sides of the wine and help you understand how it complements a meal.
Q: Is this different from just drinking wine?
A: Yes—tasting is intentional. Drinking is casual. The more you taste with focus, the more enjoyment and knowledge you’ll gain.
7. Ready to Sip Smarter?
Learning how to taste wine like a pro isn’t about perfection—it’s about attention. The more curious and mindful you become, the more enjoyable and informative each glass will be.
Start with expressive wines, slow down your sipping, and take note of what delights your senses.
Looking for wines that are perfect for practising? Avanti Wines offers a curated selection of reds, whites, and beyond—each one chosen for its quality, character, and charm.
Whether you’re tasting solo, planning a wine night with friends, or just want to level up your next glass of Pinot, this is your moment to turn sipping into a skill. Because once you taste like a pro, you’ll never look at wine the same way again.
As you continue your journey into wine appreciation, remember that learning how to taste wine is less about rules and more about discovery. Every glass tells a story—of soil, climate, craftsmanship, and tradition—and when you take the time to listen through your senses, wine becomes more than just a drink. It becomes an experience, a memory, and a connection to something greater. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or refining an existing passion, each bottle offers a fresh opportunity to explore. So slow down, sip with intention, and let each tasting deepen your understanding and love for this timeless craft.
The beauty of learning how to taste wine for beginners is that there’s no final destination—only evolving preferences and growing confidence. Every new varietal, region, or vintage offers something unique to uncover. As your palate develops, you’ll not only enjoy wine more, but you’ll also connect more deeply with the craftsmanship behind every bottle. Keep sipping, keep exploring, and most importantly—enjoy the journey.
Explore our full range of expressive, food-friendly wines at Avanti Wines – and let your palate lead the way.
Follow us on Instagram for wine pairing tips, Burgundy insights, and the latest arrivals: @avanti_wines
