| Simon Says |
| Monday, July 06 2009 |
  Dear Simon, I’m heading up to Sonoma with a couple of friends for a four-day tour of the local vineyards. My friends can tell the difference between a Cabernet and a Merlot blindfolded (I actually think this is a game they like to play). I’m a beer-on-tap guy and don’t know diddly-squat about wine — although I’ve never confessed it. I’m looking forward to going, as it sounds like a lot of fun, but I’m afraid I’m going to make a total fool of myself when we get to the tasting rooms. Can you give me some hints on how to keep from looking like I grew up in a trailer park? —Beer-loving Bart Dear Bart, If you are going up to Sonoma soon, you won’t have time to learn anything substantial about wine tasting, so you’ll have to bluff your way through. To that end, I suggest you watch the movie Sideways. Love it or hate it, it’s the only pop culture reference you’ll need, and someone is bound to mention it. If you rent it on DVD, you can play it a couple of times to learn the body language so you’ll look like you know what you are doing. If you swirl the glass and sip like a pro, you may never need to even speak. But if you do have to express an opinion, just use words that genuinely describe the flavor you experience. Whether that be “grassy” and “citrusy” (whites) or “berries” and “tobacco” (reds) doesn’t really matter. Taste is subjective. Yours is valid. We know you have your own opinions. We would love to hear your comments below!
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