Visiting wineries is a great way to learn about different varietals, but there’s so much you can uncover from the comfort of home.
Let us take you on an exciting wine journey — one that goes behind the scenes and beyond the labels of the rich array of styles and producers. Sip back, relax and discover the world of wine! Here you’ll learn why the shape of each glass is suited to the wine it serves, how the correct temperature can enhance the flavor and aroma of the wine, why people decant a wine and how to evaluate the wine you’re tasting.
Evaluating Wine
Wine tasting involves more than just your tastebuds — you also need to notice the appearance and bouquet of the wine. Follow the “Five S’s of Wine Tasting” to fully appreciate each vintage.
![A person holding a wineglass with red wine on an angle to evaluate the leg of the wine by sight.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONTD36763B076B54DC6AFCBC7A6CB0CEBAC/native/learn-evaluating-wine-sight.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Sight
Many clues about wine lie in the color, clarity and possible presence of carbonation or noticeable sediment.
![Glass of white wine being swirled.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT8D3DA4A38073406688116C9A29E777F5/native/learn-evaluating-wine-swirl.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Swirl
Look at the visual clues, aerate the wine and bring out its aromas.
![A person holding a wineglass up to their nose to smell the aroma of the red wine.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONTBC6EF39124134B87B886ED54FC53E714/native/learn-evaluating-wine-sniff.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Sniff
Sniff the wine in the glass, taking several short, deep sniffs, and think about the aromas.
![Two people outside on a rooftop deck sipping their glasses of wine.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT805486A1BB874852834E6CB7BF4DB8F1/native/learn-evaluating-wine-sip.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Sip
Sip and make a chewing motion with your mouth, coating the areas inside your mouth and around your tongue.
![Four wineglasses lined up with a silver metal bucket on the table for a wine tasting session.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT57B3B9ECA8D1493CA5274FE213E176D8/native/learn-evaluating-wine-spit.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Spit
In order to maintain a clear head and maintain the ability to make assessments by smelling and tasting, you should spit during tasting sessions.