Wine tastings can help you discover some of the best wines Hunter Valley has to offer. We create a unique experience that will expand your knowledge, delight your senses, and encourage a passion for winemaking.
You can get the best out of any wine-tasting experience, no matter how experienced or novice you are. Here are some things you should remember.
This is everything you can expect when you visit the Hunter Valley’s best wine tasting.
What happens during a Hunter Valley Wine Tasting
Let’s take a look at what happens at Skippy Down Under Tours wine tastings before we begin to sip. Although we don’t want you to miss any surprises, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of what wines to expect and what to look out for when tasting. We also provide tips on wine tasting. It doesn’t take a university degree to learn!
You will be welcomed by a Skippy down under tours crew member as your personal tasting guide when you start our tours. Before you get underway be sure to take a photo of yourself on tour with our friendly tour guide! Things are about to get deliciously exciting.
Which wines are best?
To allow your palate to adjust, tastings are ordered in a specific order. This allows you to taste every vintage fully and effectively. The wine list is the lightest to most expensive.
The tasting cards are subject to seasonal changes so expect a slightly different menu on your next visit. This is done to highlight wines that are particularly good at this time of the year. For example, a cool Semillon on a hot summer’s day is a great choice!
Tip for Tasting
Two grape varieties are particularly well-known in the Hunter Valley: Semillon (the Hunter Valley’s best) and Shiraz (the Hunter Valley’s best). Two contrasting styles of wine from different vintages are included in our tasting menus. This allows you to compare notes and identify key differences.
In our Private Hunter Valley Wine Tours during each tasting, you’ll notice a mix of wines. This allows you to compare their unique characteristics and profiles. Single Vineyard wines are made in smaller batches and have a more hands-on approach. This raises their quality, rarity, and taste.
These differences will be highlighted in your tasting guide, but it is a good idea to taste each wine consciously. Allow each wine to sit on your tongue for a while. You can then identify its particular favours and texture and compare them to the previous wine.
This approach to wine tasting can help you spot the differences in each vintage. Voila!
Bonus tip: Note down the food pairings your Skippy down under tours crew member recommends to use at home!
The 6 S’s in Wine Tasting Etiquette
Etiquette is key to a successful Hunter Valley wine tasting. However, it shouldn’t be daunting. These simple tips will help you get the best out of your Hunter Valley wine-tasting experience.
Follow these 6 S’s while wine tasting
- The colour is the key. The hue of wine can reveal a lot about the grape variety and its ageing process. The general rule is that the wine’s colour will indicate how intense its flavour is.
- Let your wine breathe. To release the aroma notes, gently swirl the wine a few times.
- The Scent: A wine’s smell can be as important as its taste. What is the scent of each wine? What does each wine smell like?
- Now for the best part! Let the wine linger on your tongue for several seconds before taking a sip. You will be able to really appreciate the unique complexity of the wine’s characteristics. You should look for sweetness, acidity and bitterness.
- Spit (if necessary): Too many tastings can exhaust our taste buds. Once you have savoured each wine, you can spit into your spoon to keep your taste buds alert and ready to enjoy the next one.
Keep your mind open
Wine tastings are about learning new things. Skippy down under tours encourages even the most experienced wine tasters, to get out of their comfort zone and try something new.
Skippy down under tours crew members are here to make your experience the best it can be. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge of wine and vineyards, so we encourage you to ask as many questions as possible!
Do not be afraid to ask simple questions. You can ask for clarification about anything you don’t understand. Wine Country is full of lingo, so we are always happy to help you understand.
You’ll be able to think beyond ‘whites and reds’ when choosing wines for the future. All of this will enhance your passion for wine and expand your options.
