How to Taste Wine Like a Sommelier

Wine tasting doesn't require years of training or a fancy vocabulary. At Coravin & Cork, we believe the best wine experience is one you actually enjoy—and a few simple steps can help you taste more deeply and discover flavours you might otherwise miss. Whether you're here for a quiet evening or sharing small plates with friends, slowing down to really taste your wine transforms the whole experience.

Step 1: Look—What You See Matters

Start by holding your glass up to the light. You're not just admiring the colour; you're gathering clues about the wine itself.

Colour depth: Lighter, paler wines are often younger or made from grapes like Pinot Noir. Deeper reds suggest riper fruit or age.
Clarity: Most wines should be clear. A slight cloudiness in natural wines is normal and nothing to worry about.
The rim: Look at the edge of the wine where it meets the glass. Browning or orange edges can hint at age or oxidation—useful context when you're exploring our curated by-the-glass list.

This takes five seconds, but it primes your palate and your mind for what's coming next.

Step 2: Swirl and Smell—Where the Magic Happens

Gently swirl your wine (it's okay if you feel a bit self-conscious—everyone does it here). This releases aromatic compounds into the air.

Now smell deeply. Don't overthink it. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Fruit? Flowers? Earth? There's no wrong answer. Our sommelier team curates wines for their character and complexity, so take a moment to notice what draws you in.

Primary aromas come from the grape itself: citrus, stone fruit, berries, herbs.
Secondary aromas develop during fermentation: bread, yoghurt, nuts.
Tertiary aromas emerge with age: leather, tobacco, dried fruit, spice.

You might catch different notes on a second sniff—that's completely normal. Your nose is doing the work.

Step 3: Taste—Let Your Palate Lead

Take a small sip and let it coat your mouth for a moment before swallowing. You're looking for three things:

Sweetness: Is there residual sugar? It's not a flaw—it's a flavour profile.
Acidity: Does your mouth water slightly? Acidity is what makes wine refreshing and makes it pair beautifully with food, especially our small-plate menu.
Tannins: In red wines, do your gums feel slightly dry? That's tannin—it adds structure and ages gracefully.

What flavours emerge? They might be different from what you smelled. That's the bridge between aroma and taste—and it's where wine gets interesting.

Step 4: Notice the Finish

After you swallow, pay attention to what lingers. Does the flavour fade quickly or stay with you? A wine with a long finish often signals quality and complexity. Short finishes aren't bad—they're just different, and they're perfect for casual, lingering evenings when you want to taste several wines without fatigue.

Bring It All Together at Coravin & Cork

Wine tasting is really just paying attention. There's no pressure to use fancy terms or impress anyone. When you visit, our sommelier-curated by-the-glass selection is designed for discovery—we choose wines with character and story, not just volume. Whether you're ordering one glass to linger over or exploring three different styles across the evening, you're welcome to taste at your own pace.

Walk-ins are always welcome, and our small-plate format is built for exactly this kind of thoughtful, unhurried experience. Come slow down, taste deeply, and let conversation find its own rhythm.