Wine Tasting Mistakes: Avoid These Common Errors and Taste Better

When you wine tasting, the deliberate process of evaluating wine using sight, smell, and taste to understand its character and quality. Also known as wine evaluation, it’s not just about sipping—it’s about paying attention to every detail. But most people mess it up without even realizing it. You might think you’re being fancy swirling your glass in a dimly lit room, but if you drank coffee an hour before, used the wrong glass, or rushed through the smell, you’re not tasting wine—you’re tasting your own assumptions.

The biggest mistake? Not drinking water before you start. Coffee, tea, even gum can coat your tongue and blind your palate. One study from the University of California found that tasters who had caffeine before tasting missed up to 40% of the subtle fruit and earth notes in red wines. Water isn’t just a refreshment—it’s your reset button. Another common error? Using the wrong glass. A wine tasting glass isn’t just a fancy wine glass. It’s designed with a narrower rim to focus aromas and a wide bowl to let them breathe. Using a regular tumbler is like trying to hear a symphony through a paper towel tube. And don’t forget the wine tasting glasses, the standard-sized glasses used in professional tastings, typically holding 5-6 ounces to allow proper swirling and nosing. Too many people pour too much, then wonder why they can’t tell if it’s oaky or spicy.

Then there’s the three S’s of wine tasting, Swirl, Smell, Sip—the foundational sequence that guides how you engage with wine. Also known as wine tasting protocol, skipping any step ruins the whole experience. Swirling isn’t for show—it releases volatile compounds that carry aroma. Smelling isn’t just sniffing—it’s identifying fruit, spice, earth, or even wet stone. Sipping isn’t gulping—it’s letting the wine roll across your tongue to activate all taste zones. People skip the smell because they think it’s pretentious. But that’s like judging a book by its cover and ignoring the first chapter. And if you’re tasting five wines in a row? Don’t eat cheese before the first sip. It changes your entire palate. Save the cheese for after, and even then, pick something mild. Strong blue cheese can wipe out the flavor of a delicate Pinot Noir before you even take a sip.

Another hidden mistake? Tasting too fast. You’re not in a race. A proper tasting session with 6 wines should take at least 45 minutes. Rushing means you’ll forget what the first wine tasted like by the time you get to the fifth. Keep notes—even just a few words. “Tart apple,” “wet gravel,” “long finish.” That’s how you start remembering what you like. And if you’re doing this at home, don’t use wine you bought on sale because it “looks good.” Taste with intention. Use the same glass. Pour the same amount. Control the environment. No strong perfumes, no loud music, no kids running around. This isn’t a party trick. It’s a skill.

And yes, the what to drink before wine tasting, the beverage you consume immediately before tasting that can make or break your ability to detect flavor matters more than you think. Water is the only real answer. No coffee, no soda, no mint tea. Even chewing gum can leave a residue that masks acidity. Drink half a glass of water 30 minutes before you start. That’s it. That’s the secret most guides won’t tell you.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve made these mistakes—and fixed them. Whether it’s how many glasses to use in a session, why you shouldn’t wear perfume, or what to do if your palate feels dead, we’ve got the fixes. No fluff. No jargon. Just what works.