Ever been wine tasting? Your answer right now should be yes, but if it's not please ask me where to go. I have more opinions than that person sitting next to you. So last weekend I was once again reminded of the top things you should probably NOT do in the tasting room if you ever want to see repeat customers, sell wine, or god forbid, build your wine club list.

1. Never judge a book by its cover
- Don't think just because I am under 30 I don't buy wine. I do. And in fact, I spend a lot on it, all the time. Beyond just me, many people my age are doing the same. Millennial wine drinkers are on the rise, 47% of Millennial (ages 14-28) are drinking more wine. As to think, half of us aren't even legal drinkers yet...

2. Employ a knowledgeable staff
- Nothing bothers me more than being told about traditional Bordeaux blends by a person who doesn't even know what Phylloxera is, or about any wines produced beyond their own winery door. Please spend the time to hire a person who has a background in wine, have your winemaker talk them through the wines and winemaking process routinely, or front the money to send your staff to an educational class on the wines of the world. If you spend so much money on wines, the winery appearance, and everything else, please try to fork up the cash to employ the right front of the house people.

3. Always provide suggestions for other wineries
- If a person is asking where else they may find wines in the area, your staff should be willing to make suggestions. Nothing will help your winery more than being a part of your local winery community. If you send the other wineries business in the end they will do the same.

4. Never have more schwag than wine
- Yes, wine-away sells. So does that damn winery dogs book. But please try to keep the focus on the wines, not on the olive tapenade. People want to learn about your wine and taste it, not browse your ridiculously branded paraphernalia. I don't remember the last time I felt the undying urge to buy a pink polo shirt at my favorite winery.

5. Take your pinky out the air and calm down - it's only wine!
- All these people trying to act like wine is so fancy and VIP. Your providing booze. Expensive booze, yes, but please stop being so pretentious. First, the wine business is not glamorous. Second, you never know who may walk in that door (back to my first point). By acting above and beyond everyone tasting your wine, you can pretty much guarantee that you will not gain a solid fan base. Anyone who is a repeat customer at a place where they treat you like dirt can go ahead and stay out of my tasting room anyway.


On that note, thank you Ferarri-Carrano for probably the most uncomfortable wine tasting experience I have ever had in Dry Creek. Check your location, you may want to pitch up the bucks to bring your pretentious attitude back down the 29 where such things are appreciated.