A day of wine tasting is one of life’s great pleasures — and a few small essentials make it smoother, safer, and more memorable. Here are the ten things we’d never head out without.
Whether you’re spending the day in Oregon’s Willamette Valley or any wine region, a little preparation goes a long way. This is our tasting-day checklist — the practical kit that keeps the focus where it belongs: on the wine and the company. (For broader trip packing, see our guide on what to pack for a wine vacation.)
The 10 wine-tasting essentials
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
You’ll be walking on gravel and grass. Leave the heels at home.
- Water — and plenty of it
Alternate water with wine to stay hydrated and keep your palate fresh all day.
- A snack or two
Tasting on an empty stomach catches up with you fast. Pack something to nibble between stops.
- A tasting-notes app or notebook
By the fourth winery, the wines blur together. Jot a line on each so you remember your favorites.
- No perfume or cologne
Strong scents interfere with tasting — yours and everyone else’s. Go fragrance-free.
- Sun protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen — much of the day is spent outdoors among the vines.
- Padded wine sleeves
For the bottles you’ll inevitably buy — they keep your finds safe on the way home.
- A cooler bag for the car
Wine hates a hot trunk. A simple insulated bag protects your purchases on a warm day.
- Cash for tips and small buys
Handy for tipping generous pourers and for the occasional cash-only stop.
- A designated driver — or a guided tour
The most important essential of all. Never drink and drive; arrange a driver or let a guided tour handle it.
Pack the small things right, and the only thing left to think about is the wine in your glass.
Deciding how to get around? Compare your options in self-guided vs guided wine tours, or browse gifts for wine lovers.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to a wine tasting?
Comfortable shoes, water, a snack, and a way to take tasting notes are the essentials, plus sun protection and padded sleeves for any bottles you buy. Skip strong perfume, and always arrange a designated driver or guided tour.
Should you eat before wine tasting?
Yes. Have a proper meal beforehand and snack through the day. Tasting on an empty stomach affects both your palate and how the alcohol hits you.
Related reading: what to pack for a wine vacation · self-guided vs guided tours · gifts for wine lovers
Once the packing is sorted, the harder question is where to point the car — a few ideas in our notes on wine tasting trips worth planning.
