How to taste wine like a professional

Wine tasting is like a sport, the more you practice, the better you get! And let’s be honest, this is definitely a sport I can get behind. Mastering the art of wine tasting goes far beyond swirling and sipping.

If one of your bucket list items is to go wine tasting near Cape Town, visiting the award-winning wineries in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek then this article will help you take your tasting experience to the next level.

Wine tasting is about understanding the subtle nuances that shape a wine’s character and flavour.  Learning to identify these elements helps you build a mental catalogue of tastes and aromas, making it easier to recognize and appreciate them in future tastings. For example, ask yourself: what does a crisp Granny Smith apple actually taste like? The more you train your palate, the easier you will be able to quickly pick up those flavours in a wine.

For me, wine tasting is first and foremost about the pure enjoyment of this delicious beverage. But if you’re ready to elevate your experience and taste like a pro, here are some essential tips to guide you.

Step 1: Look at the wine

Before you even take a sip, you can learn a lot just by observing your wine.

•         Colour: Hold your glass against a white background (like a napkin or piece of paper). Is it pale straw, golden, ruby, or deep purple? Colour offers clues about the grape variety and age of the wine.

•         Clarity: Most wines are clear and brilliant. If you notice haziness or cloudiness, it could indicate a fault in the wine or the winemaker used minimal filtration during the winemaking process.

Step 2: Smell the wine

Now, get your nose into the glass and inhale deeply. You’ll be amazed at how aromas evolve and reveal themselves in layers. In wine tasting, aromas are typically grouped into three categories:

•         Primary aromas: These come directly from the grape so think fruits, flowers, and garden herbs.

•         Secondary aromas: These develop during the winemaking process. For example, the yeasty or buttery notes in a Chardonnay often result from barrel aging and time spent on the lees.

•         Tertiary aromas: Found in aged wines as these aromas develop in the bottle and include notes like leather, tobacco, and dried fruit.

Step 3: Taste the wine

This is the moment everyone looks forward to. After analyzing the aromas, it’s time to see if the flavours match what your nose promised.

•         Initial impression: Take a big sip and let the wine coat your mouth. Then follow with smaller sips to analyze. Is it light or full-bodied?

•         Flavour profile: Try to identify flavours from your mental catalogue. Do you pick up berries, citrus, spices, or oak? The best thing about wine tasting is it is wonderfully subjective so there are no wrong answers!

•         Structure: Assess the following elements:

•         Acidity: The higher the acidity the more the sides of your mouth will water.

•         Tannin: Creates a drying sensation and is mostly found in red wines.

•         Sweetness: This ranges from bone-dry to dessert-level sweet.

•         Alcohol: Gives a warming sensation.

•         Finish: How long do the flavours linger in your palate after swallowing? A long, pleasant finish is a sign of a high quality wine.

Step 4: Reflect on the wine

Ask yourself:

•         Did the wine reveal layers and did it evolve as you tasted it?

•         Was it balanced, or did one element overpower?

•         What food would be a good match for the wine, or is it perfect on its own by the pool on a hot summer day?

Wine tasting is a joyful and rewarding hobby. By following these steps, you’ll take your experience from casually sipping a wine on a beautiful Stellenbosch wine estate to being an expert with a deeper appreciation of the art of winemaking. 

Take your tasting experience to the next level with the guidance of a qualified wine tour guide. Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, or something in between, a local expert will tailor your itinerary to match your palate, handpicking the finest estates and leading you through each tasting with insight and flair.

Whether you're a South African local or visiting from abroad, there's no substitute for the knowledge and passion a local guide brings. Explore Vineyard Voyages curated tour options or let us craft a bespoke experience just for you.

Cheers!