How to Taste Wine Like a Pro – A Beginner’s Guide

 

(NB: though this line was used by famous physicist Prof. Richard Feynman in one of his lectures,

the actual source of the quote remains unknown)

Let’s be honest—wine tasting can look a little dramatic. All that swirling, sniffing, and serious face-making? It can feel like you're watching someone decode ancient scrolls. But here’s the good news—tasting wine like a pro isn’t about being fancy or using words like “unctuous” (what even is that?). It’s simply about slowing down, tuning in, and learning how to notice what’s in your glass.

So, pour yourself a glass—red, white, rosé, whichever one you’re in the mood for—and let’s explore it together.

Step 1: Look Before You Sip

Before you take that first sip, take a good, long look.

Hold the glass by its stem (so your hand doesn’t warm the wine), tilt it over a white surface like a napkin or table, and observe. What colour is it—pale straw, golden, ruby red, or deep purple? Lighter colours often mean younger wines; deeper hues might suggest age or richness.

Now give it a little swirl. This releases aromas and preps your nose for the next step. You might notice “legs” or streaks on the glass. These are related to alcohol and sugar levels, but they’re not the main event. Think of them as wine’s version of mood lighting—nice, but not the entire story.

Step 2: Get Your Nose In There

Time to smell the wine. Don’t be shy—stick your nose in the glass and take a good sniff. This is where the magic starts. Most of what we “taste” is actually smell. See what jumps out. Fruits? Flowers? Herbs? Toast? Vanilla? Coffee? Don’t overthink it. If it reminds you of berry jam, fresh laundry, or your grandma’s kitchen—go with it. And remember: there are no wrong answers. Your nose is your own.

Quick tip—if it smells like wet cardboard or vinegar, the wine might be off. No shame in pouring something else.

Step 3: Sip, Swirl, Savor

Finally, take a sip. Let it sit in your mouth for a moment, then gently swirl it around (like mouthwash, but classier).

How does it feel? Light like lemonade or rich like cream? Do the flavours match what you smelled? Or are there surprises—a dash of spice, a bit of butter, a pop of lemon?

This is also where you’ll notice the wine’s “structure”—things like acidity (that zippy, mouth-watering feeling), sweetness, and tannins (the grippy, slightly drying effect in reds). We explained all three in our previous blog post, so head there for a deeper dive if you’re curious.

Step 4: Check the Finish

After you swallow—or spit, if you’re doing a tasting session—see how long the flavour lingers.

Does it vanish right away? Or hang around like a good memory? That lingering taste is called the finish. A long, balanced finish is usually a sign of a well-made wine.

What to Look For (Without Stressing)

Here’s what the pros look for—and how you can fake it till you make it:

• Fruit: Most wines have fruit notes (flavours detected through smell and taste). Reds? Think cherry, plum, blackberry. Whites? Maybe apple, peach, citrus. Say whatever it reminds you of. Even “fruit punch” works.
• Non-fruit notes: Some wines smell like herbs, flowers, spices, leather, smoke, or even rain on a hot pavement. It’s fun. It’s wonderful. Roll with it.
• Balance: No one element should overpower the others. If sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol all play nice—it’s balanced.
• You: Do you like it? That’s what really matters.

A Simple Way to Remember What You Tasted

Here’s an easy 3-step recap:

Then ask yourself:

• What fruit did I get?
• Was it light or bold?
• Did I want another sip?

You can jot down a few notes or use an app. Tracking your tastings helps you discover patterns and favourites. Soon, you’ll surprise yourself by spotting a Malbec from a mile away—or at least knowing you like it better than a Pinot Noir!

Final Sip of Wisdom

Tasting wine is like getting to know someone. Some are loud and lovable; others are quiet and grow on you. Either way, the more time you spend, the more they reveal.

And you don’t need a sommelier pin. Just bring a curious nose & an open mind. The WSET wine courses also offer a segment on tasting techniques. Check them out!

Next week: Decoding Wine Labels – What You Need to Know Before You Buy. Because who hasn’t stood in front of a wine shelf completely baffled? Let’s make that easier together.

 

Wine should be enjoyed. Drink responsibly!

Disclaimer: all links provided in this blog are my own research and are not paid for by the respective brands