Every wine lover dreams about going on a wine trip
There is a passion for searching out and discovering a treasured bottle or finding a new favorite. One might call that person a wine explorer. So how do you capitalize on your wine exploring if you find yourself on one of these magical wine trips? With research and by using a few key words! Research the attributes of the wine that you liked while also answering why you liked it. Next, learn a few key words in that language (even if that language is English) to convey those attributes. Never be afraid to ask for help. Just try it in the local language first, especially while exploring in France: “Que recommendez-vous?” You will get a MUCH better recommendation!
2015 Crusted Port
One of my favorite finds while exploring for wine was an unassuming half-wine-shop, half-grocery-store in Porto. At first, it seemed like a waste of time, but as I walked in and turned the corner, I encountered a treasure trove of hard-to-find wines! The purveyor spoke no English but was very nice and listened to what I was searching for. My research and a few key words resulted in two bottles of very rare 2015 Crusted Port! I had a bottle of that wine at my house with a few of my neighbors three days after Hurricane Sally to celebrate the power coming back on. It was so good that I have been searching for another bottle ever since!
Thoughtful Research
I always have multiple wines (vintages, types, etc.) that I am looking for when I go exploring for wine, whether foreign or domestic. Don’t get stuck on a particular wine and always be open to trying new ones. If they don’t have what I am looking for, then I thank them and move on. Yet often, they will have something else that they recommend I try based on the attributes I shared with them. These recommended wines are often outstanding! Moral of the story: a little thoughtful research and a few key words to translate can really open the door to a treasure while exploring for wine!