taste guide

How to Taste Wine Like a Pro: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Wine Evaluation

Swirling, sniffing, slurping — is there really a method to the madness of wine tasting? The answer is yes — and once you understand the steps, you'll never look at a glass of wine the same way again.

This guide introduces you to a version of the Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine developed by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) — one of the most respected global wine education organizations. While professionals use this structure for exams and certifications, it’s equally useful (and enjoyable) for casual wine lovers who simply want to make more sense of what they’re drinking.

Step One: Look — What the Wine Shows You

Before your nose gets involved, take a moment to observe the wine in the glass. Hold it against a white background and look through it. What do you see?

Start with clarity. Most wines will appear clear, but don’t be alarmed by a little haze. Traditionally, cloudiness might have signaled a fault. But today, many natural and low-intervention winemakers intentionally skip filtration to let the wine express itself more fully. That gentle haze? It might just be part of the wine’s story.

Next, notice the color intensity — is it pale, medium, or deep? Then consider the actual hue. White wines might show hints of green, lemon, gold, or amber. Reds range from youthful purple to brick-toned tawny. These visual clues offer insight into the wine’s grape variety, age, and style.

Step Two: Smell — Let the Wine Speak

Now give the glass a swirl and take a sniff. This releases the wine’s aromas and begins to reveal its personality.

Start by checking the condition: is it clean or does it smell off (musty, vinegary, or otherwise unpleasant)? Assuming it’s clean, move on to intensity — does the aroma leap out of the glass or is it more reserved?

Then, explore the aromas themselves. You might pick up citrus, stone fruits, berries, spices, oak, or herbal notes. Don’t worry about sounding “correct” — the WSET method encourages you to break these elements into families (fruit, floral, spice, vegetal, etc.) to train your nose over time. It's all about sharpening your senses.

Step Three: Taste — The Full Experience

Now for the main event. Take a sip and let the wine coat your mouth.

First, assess the sweetness level — from dry to lusciously sweet. Then note the acidity — does your mouth water (a sign of high acidity), or does it feel soft and round?

In red wines, pay attention to tannins — the compounds that come from grape skins and seeds (and sometimes oak). They create a drying sensation, like over-brewed black tea, and give structure to the wine.

Consider the body next — this is the weight or mouthfeel. A light-bodied wine feels airy and crisp, while a full-bodied wine feels rich, smooth, and mouth-coating. Think skim milk versus whole milk as a basic analogy.

Then come the flavours. Often they mirror the aromas you noticed earlier, but tasting can reveal new layers: oak, toast, earthiness, or subtle spice.

Finally, reflect on the finish — how long the flavours stay with you after swallowing. A short finish fades quickly, while a long one lingers and evolves, suggesting complexity and often, quality.

Why This Approach Matters

The WSET method helps take the guesswork out of wine tasting. It gives you a common language, sharpens your palate, and — best of all — helps you figure out what you enjoy and why.

This isn’t about memorizing terminology or impressing anyone. It’s about learning to notice, taste, and enjoy with more awareness and confidence.

Try It at Home

We’ve designed a tasting placemat based on the WSET structure to guide you through your own tasting sessions — whether you're exploring solo, hosting a dinner, or joining our blind tasting challenges.

Explore your glass with intention, curiosity, and just the right amount of structure.

Get your guide

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