To be honest, when we began our journey of exploring the wine industry in our county we weren't exactly seasoned aficionados.  When they said "boutique winery" we thought that meant they sold little gifts.  We certainly didn't have the customs or the techniques down pat like we should have.  Now, however, after dozens of tasting rooms and hours spent scouring the web for more wine insight - well, we're now veterans.

La Voca de Experiencia

1.  Have a Designated Driver.  It goes without saying that wines are alcoholic beverages and deserve respect.  The average tasting room tastes 5 or 6 wines that end up equaling a glass of wine each.  If you visit four wineries that is roughly the same as four glasses of wine.  This is the major benefit of the bus and limousine tours - you don't have to drive. 

2.  Don't feel that you have to try everything.  If you are going to visit every winery on the Santa Ynez Trail, for example, try just their Cabernet Sauvignon, which several of those wineries do particularly well (or the Syrah or the Pinot Noir).  You can then compare the 'Cabs' from the various wineries, get the wonderful tasting experience without overdoing it.

3.  Don't be afraid to toss - especially if you're visiting more than one winery.  The tasting room guides I asked offered me a bit of advice.  Swirl the wine, smell the wine, taste the wine, then dump it out.  It's not considered bad etiquette and you will be able to visit more wineries in a given day without becoming sloshed.

4.  Nibble on crackers between tastings.  Just as your nose deadens after you try two or three perfumes, it's impossible to really taste a wine if you taste it right after another wine.  The bread and crackers freshens your palette and allows you to really taste the next wine.

5.  Generally, taste from light white to heavy reds, leaving the sweet wines to the end.  If you drink a dry wine after drinking a sweet wine it will usually just taste bitter.  

6.  Bring a picnic lunch and plan to linger at one of the wineries that has a picnic area.  If you hit a winery late morning and then eat at the second winery, then you will gain the constitution to visit at least one more, possibly two wineries before the day is out - particularly if you follow guidelines one and two. Sanford, Gainey, Foley, Rancho Sisquoc and Fess Parkers (to name a few) all have beautiful picnic areas.  If the weather is less than perfect, Rideau and Foley have beautiful verandas that provide shade and shelter, as well as fabulous views.

7.  Expect to pay a fee and be pleasantly surprised if you don't.  Most of the tasting rooms in the area are charging a fee ranging from $1 to $5.  In the past most tasting was free but economics have caught up with the wine world.  Many of Santa Barbara's wineries produce only 5,000 cases of wine in a year.  An average tasting room can easily sample 1,000 cases in a year.  That could be as much as 20% of your entire product! 

8.  If your group is larger than 6 contact the wineries before you visit.  Not all of the wineries are prepared for large groups or tours.  They need advance warning to ensure they have the staff and supplies on hand to make your visit memorable not stressful.

8.  If you find a winery that you really like and live in a state that allows it, join their wine club.  The discounts and availability of unique wines allows you greater access to what you like at a savings.  Many of our wineries are boutique wineries, which means you probably won't you find them in the average store.  When the 1,000 cases of the 97 Pinot Noir you love run out - they're gone!

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