Eat Fish asked:
I’m pretty savvy in that department, but my problem is that more and more I find myself drinking (or at least tasting) different wine almost every day so I can have personal knowledge of it. I’m afraid I may be developing a problem because now I do it on my days off, too!
Of course I know not to swallow it all the time, but we have wine reps, influential guests who insist I share a glass with them (after I talked them into spending $300.00 on it). I guess you are not getting me…
Ferguson
I’m pretty savvy in that department, but my problem is that more and more I find myself drinking (or at least tasting) different wine almost every day so I can have personal knowledge of it. I’m afraid I may be developing a problem because now I do it on my days off, too!
Of course I know not to swallow it all the time, but we have wine reps, influential guests who insist I share a glass with them (after I talked them into spending $300.00 on it). I guess you are not getting me…
Ferguson
most winetasting professionals do not actually swallow the wine. they use a spit bucket. If they actually tasted everything they would be drunk. I urge you to use a spit bucket.
Comment by Lisa H — July 21, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
You must swallow instead of spit.
Comment by Pale Rider — July 24, 2008 @ 1:07 am
try drinking juices or other non-alcoholic beverages in place of the wine you are drinking on your days off now….
Comment by mags — July 24, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
You may already be well aware of this, so I hope it doesn’t insult your intelligence and experience.
One of the hallmarks of a wine professional is to know when to enjoy wine and when to sample wine on a professional basis. In the industry, the two really should be mutually exclusive most of the time.
On your own time, if you are enjoying wine with friends and family and are drinking in moderation, that’s the time to truly enjoy and savour.
If you are at work and the opportunity arises to sample wines in order to assess them critically or to familiarize yourself with product, then I think you ought to be spitting whenever feasible. It should be an exception to swallow, if you are on company time. They are paying you for your clear-headed critical appraisal.
If you are entertaining wine reps, all the more reason to spit. I would guess that your employer wants you to maintain clear judgement when it comes to assessing products that the reps are peddling.
As for prominent guests, politely declining a drink because you are “on duty” should be the standard response. If they take offense, then they are not respecting your professionalism.
Comment by Amuse Bouche — July 26, 2008 @ 6:02 am
I guess I don’t understand the question. Are you asking how to keep from getting drunk, asking if you have a drinking problem, or asking how to learn more about the wines?
Comment by Off to Mexico — July 26, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Well, you should know which ones go best with fish…
Comment by Lisa P — July 27, 2008 @ 4:23 am
I work in a fine wine and spirits shop with a fully qualified sommelier. We don’t ever swallow when doing work related tastings. As for clients insisting you share their wine, politely refuse, PERIOD. I often have to turn down offered wine when I’m out. Enjoying wine is a personal choice, no one should be coerced into drinking.
$300.00 for a bottle of wine in a restaurant is not that expensive. We have wines on our shelves that retail for that much. Restaurants easily offer wines over $1000.
Pauillac
Chateau Mouton Rothchild ’96 650.00
Chateau Mouton Rothchild ’94 650.00
Chateau Mouton Rothchild ’76 695.00
Chateau Mouton Rothchild ’78 750.00
Chateau Mouton Rothchild ’88 850.00
Chateau Mouton Rothchild ’90 1150.00
Chateau Latour ’90 1150.00
Chateau Lafite ’89 1050.00
Margaux
Chateau Kirwan ’00 120.00
Chateau Margaux ’82 1695.00
Comment by LAUGHING MAGPIE — July 29, 2008 @ 10:05 am