Welcome to the Resistance Wine Company, where we zag while others zig, turning the simple act of sipping into an art form—or at least a very enjoyable pastime. Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or just dipping your toes (not literally, please) into the world of vino, we’ve got you covered. We're here to shake up your usual routine with five different ways to elevate your wine tasting game. Ready to explore the best wine tasting experiences, discover how to taste wine like a pro, and find new things to do while you taste wine? Let’s dive in—and trust us, this isn’t your grandma’s swirl-and-sip session (unless your grandma’s super cool, in which case, invite her along).
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kirk • August 16, 2024
Five Ways to Elevate your Wine Tasting
How to Taste Wine in Ashland, Oregon?
1. The Classic Vertical Tasting: Tasting Wine Through the Ages (And Looking Super Fancy)
If you’re looking to dive deep into the soul of a single wine, vertical tastings are where it’s at. Imagine tasting wine from the same vineyard, but from different years—each one like a different season of your favorite Netflix show, with more drama, character development, and the occasional plot twist.
How It Works: Line up multiple vintages of the same wine (think 2015, 2017, and 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon). Start with the youngest and work your way back. Notice how the tannins mellow, the flavors deepen, and the wine’s character transforms with each passing year. Make sure you engage your sense of smell. Extra points if you pretend you’re a time traveler.
Perfect For: Wine enthusiasts who want to learn how to taste wine in a way that makes you feel like a refined scholar—just with more alcohol and fewer boring lectures.
2. The Horizontal Tasting: Tasting Red Wine Across the Board (A.K.A. “Who Wore It Best?”)
Ready to challenge your palate? Horizontal tastings are like a wine lover’s fashion show—except here, everyone’s an award winner. This method involves tasting wine from the same vintage but across different producers, regions, or varietals. It’s an eye-opener that showcases the diversity of a single year’s harvest, and it’s a lot more fun than watching people argue over fashion choices.
How It Works: Choose a vintage—let’s say 2018—and collect bottles of the same varietal, like Malbec, from different vineyards or regions. As you taste each one, you'll notice how geography, winemaking techniques, and even the vineyard’s microclimate can create wines as varied as a celebrity’s red carpet looks. Don’t be shy about playing favorites.
Perfect For: Those who love tasting red wine and want to explore how the same grape can yield vastly different results, depending on where and how it’s grown. Also great for practicing your best “I’m getting notes of...” lines.
3. The Double Blind Tasting: The True Test of Tasting Wine (And Trying Not to Look Like a Know-It-All)
Think you know your stuff? It’s time to put your palate to the test with a blind tasting. This is the ultimate way to hone your wine tasting skills, strip away labels and preconceived notions, and maybe even surprise yourself with how much you actually know—or don’t know. (Spoiler: We’ve all been there.)
How It Works: Cover the bottles with foil or pour the wine into decanters to hide their identities. Taste the wines, take notes, and try to guess the varietal, region, and vintage. It’s a humbling experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining, especially when you realize you just confused a Syrah with a Merlot. Whoops.
Perfect For: Anyone who wants to sharpen their wine tasting abilities and learn how to taste wine without the influence of brand or reputation. Bonus points if you keep a poker face when someone insists that the $10 bottle is the “finest wine I’ve ever had.”
4. The Themed Tasting: Tasting Wine with a Twist (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Theme Party?)
Let’s get a little creative, shall we? Themed tastings are all about having fun while you taste wine. Pick a theme—whether it’s wines from a specific region, varietal, or even wines that pair with a particular food—and let your imagination run wild. It’s like Halloween for wine lovers, but with fewer costumes and more Cabernet. Expand your horizon to the whole world of wine.
How It Works: Choose a theme like “Italian Reds” or “Wines to Pair with BBQ.” Gather wines that fit the theme, and let the tasting adventure begin. Add a twist by incorporating food pairings, music, or even costumes that match the theme. Who’s up for a toga party with Italian reds? Anyone?
Perfect For: Social wine tastings where the goal is to enjoy wine in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. It’s an excellent way to discover new wines and make the experience memorable—because who doesn’t remember the night they drank Syrah in a toga?
5. The Sensory Tasting: Elevating Wine Tasting to an Art Form (Or at Least Something That Sounds Really Fancy)
Ready to take your wine tasting to the next level? Sensory tastings engage all your senses, turning the act of tasting wine into a full-body experience. This method is all about immersing yourself in the wine’s story through sight, smell, taste, and even touch. (Yes, touch—just don’t start caressing the wine bottle. That’s weird.)
How It Works: Begin by observing the wine’s color and clarity. Swirl the glass and inhale deeply, picking up on the subtle aromas. Take a small sip, letting the wine coat your mouth. Pay attention to the texture—how it feels on your palate. Consider the wine’s weight, balance, and finish. Some sensory tastings even include pairing wine with textures, sounds, or scents to enhance the experience. Use your sense of smell. Just make sure you’re not the one who ends up mistaking a scented candle for a bouquet of wildflowers. It happens.
Perfect For: Wine connoisseurs who want to explore the depths of how to taste wine, focusing on the sensory aspects that make each wine unique. It’s like wine tasting, but with a spa day vibe. Who knew you could get so zen with a glass of Malbec?
Conclusion: There’s More to Tasting Wine Than Meets the Eye (Or the Glass)
At Resistance Wine Company, we believe that art of wine tasting should be anything but ordinary. Whether you're indulging in a classic vertical tasting, exploring the diversity of a horizontal tasting, testing your skills with a blind tasting, having fun with a themed tasting, or immersing yourself in a sensory tasting experience, there’s always something new to discover. So next time you're planning various types of wine tasting strategies, remember—zag where others zig, and you’ll find a world of flavor (and fun) waiting to be explored.
And if you're ever in Southern Oregon, don't forget to stop by our tasting room in Ashland. We’d love to guide you through one of these styles of wine tasting experiences, showcasing the best of what the Rogue Valley AVA has to offer. Whether you’re tasting red wine, tasting white wine, or just looking for new things to do, Resistance Wine Company has you covered.
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The Ultimate Christmas Gift List for the Wine Lover in Your Family – Ashland & Rogue Valley Edition Struggling to find the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life? We’ve got you covered, Rogue Valley style. This holiday season, skip the generic presents and opt for wine-centric gifts that’ll make your family and friends feel like true connoisseurs. Here’s the ultimate wine lover’s Christmas list, full of quirky and thoughtful gifts—perfect for those living the Rogue Valley life. Whether you’re in Ashland or just around the corner, these wine-related gifts will make spirits brighter and bottles emptier (in the best way possible). 1. Coravin Wine Preservation System - $$$ Why open a bottle of wine when you only want one glass? The Coravin lets you pour just one glass without pulling the cork. Keep the rest of your Resistance Syrah fresh for weeks or even months—perfect for those who love their wine but don’t always finish a bottle in one sitting. This one's especially useful when you’re sampling wines from all over Ashland’s finest wineries. 2. Resistance Wine Club Membership - $$ Want to keep the good times rolling all year long? The Resistance Wine Club membership gets you 4, 6, or 12 bottles delivered twice a year. They’ll enjoy a discount and the opportunity to hand-pick wines like Malbec, Syrah, or even a special reserve just for members. Support local and enjoy some of the best wines from Resistance Wine Co. in Ashland, right to your doorstep! 3. One of Everything Pack from Resistance Wine - $$ Can’t decide which wine to get? Get them One of Everything—a bottle of every wine Resistance Wine Co. has to offer, from the bold 2018 Syrah to the refreshing 2022 Rosé. A perfect gift for anyone who likes to have options, and especially ideal for those who live near Lithia Park and entertain guests year-round. 4. 4 Wine Glasses (Riedel or Similar) - $$ Sure, the Ashland holiday lights are sparky, but so are nice wine glasses! If you're going to drink wine, you need a glass that lets the wine breathe. Riedel or Zwiesel glasses make the perfect gift for wine lovers who want the best wine-tasting experience. This set of four will ensure everyone’s glass is filled with Syrah, Malbec, or Tempranillo in style during holiday dinners in Ashland’s cozy neighborhoods. 5. Resistance Wine Tote (Linen, Insulated Bag) - $ For the wine lover on the go—whether it’s a picnic at Emigrant Lake or a tailgate for an Oregon Ducks (or Beavers) game, this Resistance Wine Tote will keep wine cool and stylish. Made of durable linen, it’s insulated to keep your favorite Resistance Wines at the perfect temperature wherever the adventure takes you. 6. Best Waiter’s Wine Corkscrew - $ to $$$ No one wants a cork to ruin their wine experience. The best waiter’s corkscrew will have you uncorking your Malbec like a pro. This sleek tool is perfect for opening any bottle of wine with ease, ensuring you never waste a second when it’s time to enjoy your Resistance Syrah. 7. Subscription to Wine Enthusiast Magazine - $$ For the wine lover who always wants to know what’s next in the world of wine, Wine Enthusiast Magazine is a gift that keeps on giving. With insider knowledge, reviews, and the latest trends, your friend or family member will always be the first to know what’s happening in the world wide wine scene. 8. Wine Class with WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) - $$ Turn their passion for wine into expertise with a WSET wine class. This internationally recognized certification will take them from casual wine lover to sommelier-level wine enthusiast. They’ll soon be impressing their friends with their new knowledge of Tempranillo and Pinot Noir, perhaps in the beautiful wineries of Talent. 9. An Amazing Decanter - $$ - $$$ Every wine lover needs an amazing decanter to let their wine breathe. This gift ensures that the 2018 Syrah gets the attention it deserves. Whether they have a cellar in Ashland or just love to entertain, a good decanter makes any bottle feel extra special. 10. Wine Tags for Tracking All of Their Wine - $ For the true collector, wine tags are essential. These labels will help them track their wines by type, vintage, and tasting notes. Whether it’s their Resistance Syrah or a limited-edition Malbec, wine tags keep the collection organized, so they’ll never forget which bottle came from a great vineyard! 11. Wine Sensory Kit - $ Help them deepen their wine appreciation with a wine sensory kit. These kits contain scents and flavor profiles to help them hone their nose and palate, making them an expert at identifying the notes in any bottle of Resistance Wine or any Rogue Valley wine. Perfect for the wine geek who lives for their next wine-tasting adventure. 12. Wine Glass Charms - 0 Just kidding – don’t do these. If you can’t figure out what glass of wine is yours, a wine charm won’t help. You won’t remember which one belongs to you either… 13. Wine Tasting Journal - $ For the wine lover who likes to document their experiences, a wine tasting journal is perfect. They can track the different bottles they've tried, from their favorite Syrah to the 2022 Rosé they love to sip while watching the sunset over Ashland. This gift ensures they never forget that amazing bottle from Weisinger. 14. Personalized Wine Barrel - $$$$ For the serious wine enthusiast, a personalized wine barrel is a statement piece. Whether they use it for storage, decoration, or even aging their own wine, this barrel is an unforgettable gift. Bonus points if you add a bottle of Resistance Syrah from Ashland to complete the package. 15. Customized Wine Glass Set - $$ Get them a set of customized wine glasses—personalized with their name, a funny quote, or their favorite wine on each glass. It’s a thoughtful and practical gift that’s perfect for Malbec lovers or anyone who enjoys their Syrah from Resistance Wine Co.. One of my favorite presents ever is a monogramed Bourbon bottle. Every time I use it, I think of my sister…it’s weird it has her initials instead of mine…just kidding! 16. Portable Wine Aerator - $ For the impatient wine drinker who doesn’t have time to wait for wine to breathe, a portable wine aerator is the solution. This handy tool instantly enhances the flavors of any wine, so your friend can start enjoying their 2019 Syrah right away. A perfect gift for Ashland locals who like to sip now. 17. Vintage Wine Map - ?? For the aspiring wine connoisseur, a vintage wine map is the ultimate gift. It highlights the best wine regions around the world, and for a true Rogue Valley experience, pair it with a bottle of 2022 Rosé from Resistance Wine Co.. It’s a great way to dream of future wine adventures—or just keep track of your Southern Oregon favorites. These wine-centric gifts will keep your favorite wine lover’s spirits high (literally). Skip the boring presents this year and give them something they'll actually use—preferably while sipping on some Resistance Wine. Cheers to a wine-filled holiday season!
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