How to Do a Wine Tasting: A Beginner’s Guide (That’s Actually Fun)
Wine tasting sounds fancy, but at its core it’s just slowing down long enough to notice what’s in your glass. If you’ve never done one before (or secretly worry you’re “doing it wrong”), this simple how to walk yourself through a wine tasting 101 will have you tasting like a pro in minutes.
First things first: there is no test at the end. No one is grading you. The goal is not to identify obscure flavor notes or use complicated vocabulary. The goal is to discover what you like and to enjoy the experience of tasting wine where it’s made. At Moab Utah’s only winery, we want all of your questions and curiousities about our wines. Let’s delve into your simple step-by-step process on how to grade your wine.
Step 1: Start With an Open Mind
You don’t need prior knowledge, a refined palate, or even a favorite type of wine. Tastings are designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Staff expect questions and are happy to guide you. If you’re unsure what to say, “I usually like lighter wines” or “I don’t know much about wine” is perfectly fine.
Step 2: Hold the Glass Properly
Hold the glass by the stem, not the bowl. This keeps your hand from warming the wine and lets you see the color clearly. It also prevents fingerprints from covering the glass — which makes you look like you know what you’re doing even if you don’t.
Step 3: Look at the Wine
Tilt the glass slightly against a white background (a napkin works). Notice the color and clarity. Is it pale or deep? Golden or ruby? Younger wines often appear brighter; older wines can look slightly more muted.
Step 4: Swirl (Gently)
Give the glass a small swirl to release aromas. No dramatic wrist gymnastics required. Just a gentle circular motion. This helps oxygen interact with the wine, which wakes up its scent.
Step 5: Smell Before You Sip
Bring the glass to your nose and inhale. This is where much of the flavor lives. You might notice fruit, flowers, spice, earthiness, or something harder to describe. Don’t overthink it. If it smells good to you, that’s the point.
Step 6: Take a Small Sip
Let the wine roll across your tongue. Notice whether it feels light or full, crisp or smooth, dry or slightly sweet. Your mouth may even water.
Step 7: Take a Second Sip
The first sip prepares your palate. The second sip is where you really taste the wine. Many people find their opinion changes between the two.
Step 8: Talk About It (Or Don’t)
Tastings are social, but you don’t have to perform. If you want to ask questions or compare impressions, great. If you prefer to quietly enjoy each pour, that’s perfectly acceptable too.
Step 9: Pace Yourself
You don’t need to finish every glass. Sip, savor, and move on. Water is essential — especially in Moab’s dry climate. Eating beforehand also helps you enjoy the experience more.
Step 10: Buy What You Love
The best bottle is NOT the most expensive or prestigious. It’s the one you’re excited to drink later. Trust your taste over anyone else’s opinion.
Wine tasting also happens to be one of the most relaxing ways to experience Moab after a day of hiking or sightseeing. It requires zero athletic ability, zero equipment, and delivers maximum enjoyment per minute. At Moab Winery, afternoon Tastings run Wednesday through Monday from 2–7 PM, making them an ideal way to transition from adventure to relaxation.
If you want to go deeper, Friday Vineyard Tours from 12–2 PM offer a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard and winemaking process — perfect for curious beginners who want context for what they’re tasting. And if one afternoon doesn’t feel like enough, you can extend the experience by staying at the vineyard in one of our on-site Airbnb’s and wake up surrounded by the same landscape that shaped the wine in your glass.
Whether you’re brand new to wine or just looking for a laid-back, memorable activity, a tasting is one of the easiest ways to slow down and savor Moab. Come curious, come thirsty, and leave with a new favorite bottle.
