Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
CHRIS BURROUGHS: TASTING ROOM MANAGER
Alma Rosa Winery's tasting-room manager is already familiar to moviegoers for his ap-
pearance in the 2004 indie hit Sidewaysas - what else? - a cowboy-hat-wearing tasting-
room manager. He shared a few smart wine-tasting tips with us.
Novices Never Fear
Don't let a lack of wine savvy keep you away. Winemakers enjoy sharing their passion and
knowledge, and beginners are often their favorite guests.
Travel Light
Most tasting rooms aren't equipped for large crowds. Traveling in small groups means
you'll have more time to chat with the staff.
Less is More
Don't keep a scorecard on the number of wineries visited. Spend time at only a handful of
tasting rooms on any given day. Wine drinking is a social vehicle (not a mobile party
crawl).
Be Open-Minded
At most tasting rooms you'll sample six wines: three whites and three reds. Don't tell the
staff you never drink chardonnay - who knows, the wine you try that day may change
your mind.
Nice Guys Finish First
Smoking and heavy perfume? Not so considerate of others, and smoking dulls your wine-
tasting senses besides. Be friendly, too. I'd rather drink a mediocre bottle of wine with a
cool person than special wine with a jerk.
