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El Dorado News-Times
How to Choose a Winery
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
A winery can be an interesting and relaxing place to escape the rigors of everyday living. Wineries are often set in serene country environments. And their staff go to great lengths to create a beautiful atmosphere. A winery is an excellent place to sample excellent wines made at the same facility and to learn more about wine overall.
Here’s what you should think about when picking a winery to visit.
EXPERTISE
Right from the start, you can tell
the great wineries apart from the mediocre ones by how knowledgeable their staff is about their products.
The best ones will have someone on staff who can tell you anything you want to know about the wines they’re offering, including the intricacies of their taste, suggested food pairings, where they come from and how they’re made.
For such a complex product, where a single-year difference in vintage can sometimes make a dramatic change in taste and quality, reliable information
is a must if you want to have the best experience.
And that’s not an easy thing to do. Learning about wines can take years, so look for a winery that can offer you their expert advice and knowledge in addition to great drinks.
TASTINGS
Whether you’re a new wine connoisseur or have a longstanding appreciation for it, a wine tasting is a great way to learn about the subtle complexities that make each vintage stand apart.
For newcomers, it’s a great way to quickly try a wide range of different types of wine in a short period of time. It will give you a road map to chart your course through the many twists and turns of the wine world.
For longtime connoisseurs, a tasting has two big advantages: it lets you learn about new or unusual types
of wine that you may not have tried before, and it helps you appreciate the subtleties between similar varieties. Plus it’s just fun!
A good wine tasting will help you choose your favorite bottles to serve your friends or put in your collection.
SELECTION
The best wineries will have a wide range of products from around the world, plus those grown locally — including in their very own vineyard.
While France and Italy have long been known for their fine wines, today’s connoisseurs appreciate wines from all over the globe. South Africa, Spain, Australia, Chile and Germany are just a few of the many countries that produce quality wine.
Domestic wines, including those grown by wineries near your own home, can be just as rewarding to drink as European classics. In fact, many people prefer local wines today because they foster a stronger connection to the product you’re drinking. You can often meet the people who grew the grapes at their vineyard and learn exactly how it ended up in your glass, step by local step.
AMBIANCE AND LOCATION
Finally, top-notch wineries put as much thought into their ambiance as they do in their products.
Look for a winery that has an upscale, high-quality feeling without crossing the line into snobbery.
The best ones will make you feel comfortable and relaxed, offering a vacation-like getaway if only for a short visit.
Because winemaking and nature are inexorably linked, a good winery will take advantage of its natural surroundings. Drinking fine wine in a beautiful outdoor setting is one of life’s great pleasures, so look for a winery that uses its natural location for an authentic experience.
And for larger gatherings, the best wineries are experts at planning and hosting events, too. From corporate retreats to weddings, anniversaries and any other type of get-together, a good winery will have the facilities, resources and staffing to make your event spectacular.
LARGE SELECTION OF
700 S Timberlane 864-9912
12471