In Michigan, wine tasting isn’t an Olympic sport; it’s a casual celebration of the country’s “Third Coast.” Rather than demanding a suit and tie and respectable silence, Michigan’s tasting rooms prefer you bring a sense of curiosity and a comfortable pair of boots. Even so, knowing the right etiquette will help you make the most of your tasting experience.
Keep an Open Mind
Every producer has a unique way of showcasing familiar grapes. A Michigan Chardonnay will naturally taste different than one from California or France. “You wouldn’t go to an Italian winery and tell them how their wine should taste,” says Kasey Wierzba, executive winemaker and general manager at Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay. “Be open to the local expression of the fruit.”
Being open also extends to sampling wines outside your wheelhouse. If a winery doesn’t pour sweet wines or another style you like, let the staff offer other choices. “It’s fun to go on a journey, and you may find things you never knew you liked,” Wierzba adds. “Our taste buds and preferences change.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask (or Discard)
A tasting is an opportunity to learn, not a test. Ask questions about the soil, the vintage, food pairings, or the aging process. And if a particular pour isn’t to your taste? Don’t feel obligated to finish it.
“It’s not an insult,” says Matthew Dodson, tasting room manager at Amoritas Vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula. “It’s not rude to swish and spit. A lot of guests think they have to finish every sample, even if they don’t like it.”
Check Before You Go
Every estate has different policies regarding pets, children, and outside food. “Before you pack the car with a picnic basket and the dog, check the winery’s specific rules,” suggests Sarah Carlson, tasting room manager at Modales Wines in Fennville. “While we may allow pets on a leash, others might not. If you have kids in tow, giving the winery a heads-up helps us ensure the experience is enjoyable for everyone.”
Make Reservations
Many wineries shifted to reservation-based models a few years ago, and the trend has stuck because it improves the guest experience. “We want you to have a great visit,” Carlson explains. “Calling ahead ensures we have the proper staffing and space available to make your time with us special.”
Read the Room
Regardless of the size of your group, be mindful of the environment. A tasting room is a shared space. “Your experience should be guided by the staff,” Shady Lane’s Wierzba says. “Be willing to learn instead of simply plowing through samples and creating a ruckus.”
On a similar note, avoid wearing perfume or cologne. Not only will it diminish your ability to smell and taste the wine, but it will also have the same effect on those around you.
Don’t Forget to Tip
Gratuity is standard practice at tasting rooms across Michigan. Remember: You aren’t tipping on the retail price of the bottles you buy, but on the expertise and hospitality provided by the staff who guided you through the flight.
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