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What is a wine tasting flight?

A wine tasting flight is a curated selection of wines served side-by-side for comparative tasting. Tasting flights allow you to experience different styles and varietals in a structured format that highlights the diverse complexities of wine.

wine flight

Flights typically consist of 3-5 wines and progress from light to heavy or focus on a particular theme, like a single varietal. A white wine flight may move from crisp and light wines like Pinot Grigio to rich oaky Chardonnay. A regional flight may explore the range of styles from a specific winemaking area. The sommelier designing the flight considers the tasting progression and theme to enlighten your palate.

The side-by-side tasting of a flight reveals the subtle distinctions between wines. You can compare and contrast aromas, flavors, textures, and finishes. Pay attention to the sequence of wines in the flight as earlier, lighter wines allow you to fully appreciate more intense, complex wines later in the flight. Tasting flights invite you to become an investigative wine detective as you search for nuances and form your preferences. They provide an education for your palate that deepens your wine journey.

Why is it called a “flight”?

There may be some clever parallels behind the term and aviation. To start, flights are like an aerial journey for your palate, transporting you through different wine varietals, regions, and styles. The progression often goes from light to heavy, evoking the ascent and descent of an airplane flight. And the peaks and valleys in flavors mimic the highs and lows of flying itself – some wines send your tastebuds soaring while others unfortunately fall flat. Plus, historically the term referred to winemakers having to climb up and down stairwell “flights” between barrel sampling. So next time you embark on a wine tasting flight, ponder the many aviation-themed connections while savoring the ride. One thing’s for sure – a thoughtfully curated flight makes for a delightful tasting adventure.

Beginner Tip

Don’t feel intimidated! It’s completely normal to be new to the world of structured wine tastings. We all have to start somewhere on our wine education journey. Focus on remaining open-minded and curious when presented with a flight. Don’t get bogged down worrying if you “like” a particular wine or not. Instead, view each pour as an opportunity to train your senses and expand your understanding of the diversity in wine. Let the experience unfold and the story develop as you move through the flight. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your sommelier – learning is a huge part of the fun! Allow yourself to be vulnerable and lean into the unknown. You may just discover an unexpected new gem along the way. Most importantly, relax and relish the special experience. Tasting flights are meant to intrigue, enlighten and delight your senses.

Etiquette Tips for a Wine Tasting Flight at a Winery

Here are some etiquette tips to follow when enjoying a wine tasting flight:

  • Proceed slowly and steadily through the flight – don’t rush from one wine to the next. Give yourself time to fully experience each selection.
  • Swirl the wine in your glass to release aromas before sniffing. Then sip and let the wine glide across your palate.
  • Take notes on the wines as you taste them to compare and contrast flavors, textures, and other characteristics.
  • Use the dump bucket or spittoon provided to dispose of wine after tasting if you don’t want to swallow. This allows you to stay focused and clearheaded.
  • Rinse your glass with water and wipe clean between different wines to avoid carryover flavors. The pourer can provide fresh glasses for each new wine if requested.
  • Avoid strong perfumes or colognes when tasting wine so as not to overwhelm your senses.
  • Respect other tasters by keeping voices down and minimizing disruptions in the tasting area.
  • Ask the pourer questions about the wines, but avoid lengthy conversations that may disturb other tasters.
  • Sample conservatively, especially for higher alcohol wines that progress later in a flight. Pace yourself.
  • Savor the moment, artistry, and passion behind each taste. A wine flight is meant to be an enlightening journey for your senses.

Final Thoughts on Tasting Flights

Exploring wines through thoughtfully composed tasting flights is an opportunity to immerse your senses and enlighten your palate.

  • Allow yourself to get lost in the nuances of each pour, noting the aromas, flavors, and textures that materialize across the selections.
  • Sip consciously, proceed steadily, and don’t hesitate to engage your sommelier with questions.
  • Wine tasting flights tell a sensory story meant to educate as well as captivate. Let the wines broaden your perspectives on this complex craft.

Whether you are new to wine or a seasoned oenophile, flights invite you along an insightful sensory adventure that deepens your connection to what’s in the glass. Stay curious, open-minded and present. A session of comparative tastings can be just as meaningful as an intimate discussion with close friends. Allow the wines to speak to you as you unravel the diverse complexities in your glass one sip at a time.

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