What to Expect from a Wine Tasting Experience
Wine tasting can be a great outing for a few people or an entire group. But what exactly is a wine tasting? If you’ve never been to a wine tasting before, it’s natural to feel a little unsure about what to expect.
I remember the first time I walked into a tasting room (it was at L’Ecole No. 41 in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington) —I was excited but also a bit intimidated. I wasn’t sure if I needed to know anything about wine or if I’d be asked questions that I had no idea how to answer.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to bring anything to your tasting except yourself and a little curiosity.
We’ve designed wine tastings to be a comfortable and fun back-and-forth conversation between you and one of our friendly wine tasting stewards. These folks are more than just wine lovers—they’re specially trained to help you find wines or spirits that fit your palate. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore, our stewards will guide you through the tasting experience with ease.
They’ll start by asking a few simple questions about what you typically enjoy. Do you prefer something light and crisp or bold and full-bodied? Sweet or dry? If you’re not sure, that’s totally okay. The whole point of the tasting is to help you discover what you love. They’ll give you a baseline taste to start from and see what you enjoyed or what you didn’t enjoy about that taste.
Five Wines or Spirits to Explore
Your tasting will include five wines or spirits from our collection. Each pour is an opportunity to explore different flavors, textures, and aromas. As you sip, your steward will share insights about each selection, from the story behind the wine to what makes it unique.
The entire tasting experience typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. We want you to take your time, savor each sip, enjoy the process, and ask your questions.
While reservations are only required on Saturdays (to ensure we can give you our full attention on busy days), we always recommend planning time to unwind after your tasting.
After the Tasting: Relax and Enjoy the View
Once you’ve finished your tasting, the experience doesn’t have to end. If you’ve found a wine or spirit you particularly love, you can purchase a glass or a bottle to enjoy on-site. Or, if you’re in the mood, try one of our expertly crafted cocktails. We also have a bistro with gourmet sandwiches.
Indoors at the tasting room, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere where you can chat with friends or simply enjoy the ambiance. If the weather’s nice, head outside to our covered patio, where you can sip your drink while overlooking the vineyard.
Come as You Are
If you’re feeling a bit nervous about your first wine tasting, I totally get it—I was in the same boat. But we’ve created an experience that’s all about making you feel comfortable, welcomed, and excited to explore. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience—just a willingness to try something new and see where your palate takes you.
Let us know your questions and book your tasting experience below.
P.S. My first tasting in Washington was amazing with comfortable and friendly people and beautiful wines!
Kelly Doherty is the Branding and Marketing Director of Kiepersol. A photographer, graphic designer, and writer at heart, the winery and vineyard are the inspired backdrop for Kelly’s creative endeavors.
She holds a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, is a member of the Society of Wine Educators, and loves talking about wine.
