Vertical Wine Tasting Guide

Hosting a vertical wine tasting is a fun way to entertain your guests; it can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Vertical tastings are excellent because they allow participants of all wine knowledge levels to try different vintages of the same wine and discuss them with each other. Everyone can learn and gain new perspectives while having a great time.

What is a Vertical Tasting?

A vertical wine tasting includes different vintages from the same wine. It is a truly unique experience that allows wine enthusiasts to enhance their understanding of the many factors that play subtle roles in a single wine. How to

Host a Vertical Wine Tasting

1. Purchase three bottles of the same wine from the same winery but different vintages. Purchasing the three wines will allow your party to see how dramatically or subtly wine changes from year to year. Our Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical is an excellent option for your party, it features our 2017, 2018, and 2019 vintages. Purchasing the three wines will allow your party to see how dramatically or subtly wine changes from year to year.
2. Set up one glass of each wine for each guest; in this case, each guest would have three glasses. Avoid any candles or flowers, as the aromas can interfere with your tasting. 
3. When it’s time to taste, start with a two-ounce pour in each glass. Begin with the oldest wine on the left and the youngest on the right, then work your way as a group through tasting each wine. Have a pencil and paper for your guests to write down their thoughts. 
4. Adding food can take your vertical tasting to the next level. As you take your initial sips, a bite of a non-flavored cracker between wines can act as a palate cleanser. You should always take at least two sips when tasting a new wine. This will allow your palate to adjust and detect all of the subtle differences between each vintage. When you are done sipping each wine at least twice, adding a cheese and charcuterie board pairing can be a lovely way to bring out additional characteristics of the wines. 
5. Have the winemaking notes available; you can find them on our website for each wine, along with vineyard and vintage information. Encourage conversations as you taste each wine and pour your guests a glass of their favorite at the end.