Getting the Most from Your Virtual Tasting
We’re looking forward to hosting your Virtual Tasting, here are some ways to prepare for and enjoy your event! Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions.
GLASSWARE
We highly recommend preparing a separate wine glass for each selection during your tasting, but in a pinch you can always use a splash of the next wine as a rinse.
The right glass can greatly affect your perception of wine. There are many styles and types of glassware available for wine service, and some manufacturers even offer unique shaped glassware for specific varietals.
For a standard tasting in the Hess Collection tasting room, we use a traditional white wine glass for all wines. This stemware has a wide bowl and tapered opening which allows the wine to be swirled, and concentrates the aromas when one first smells the bouquet.
With our Elevated and Culinary Experiences, we use a higher quality stemware with specific glass types matched with the wines being presented as part of the experience. If you are interested in a few recommendations, we suggest this article from the New York Times.
WINE SERVICE
Enjoying wine in the right temperature range is key. Our chosen temperature for white wines is 48-50 degrees F, with red wines slightly warmer at around 60-65 degrees F. But there are no fixed rules, the best temperature is the one you prefer!
Guideline for Chilling Wines:
- 20 – 30 minutes in the refrigerator
- 15 minutes in an ice bucket with ice and water
- Wine glasses do not need to be chilled
- Rosé works well slightly chilled
PALATE CLEANSERS
When tasting a variety of wines, filtered water & neutrally flavored water crackers are popular palate cleansers between varietals.
Soda water is also a common palate cleanser that people drink or swish in their mouths. The bubbles are said to stimulate the tongue and make it more receptive to new flavors.
CHEESE, CHARCUTERIE & OTHER BITES
Take your Virtual Tasting to the next level and experiment with some amazing pairings. Below you’ll find Hess Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson’s recommendations for some of our most popular selections. For more inspiration visit our recipe page.
- Panthera Russian River Valley Chardonnay-pair with a mild, fresh goat cheese or a brie with dried stone fruit
- Lion Tamer Napa Valley Red Blend-pair with a medium cheddar, jersey cow’s milk cheese a plus, and manchego with dark berry preserves
- Small Block Mount Veeder Malbec-loves a young gouda and edam cheese with dried cherries
- Lion Tamer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon-pair with a heavy white cheddar and blue cheese with panforte
There may be time to UPGRADE your experience with our partners at Beehive Cheese Company. Simply contact us for details.
SAVE SOME FOR LATER
If you would like to save some of our wines to enjoy another night, we suggest using Private Preserve, Vacu-Vin or a Coravin device which are available from local and internet vendors.