Over the past three decades, Cornerstone Cellars has established itself as a premium wine boutique producer. Across Yountville and Napa Valley, we are known for not only our exceptional variety of quality wines, but our old school Napa Valley ease with a welcoming Southern approach to entertaining.
As a boutique winery, etiquette can enhance your experience here at Cornerstone. Whether you’re in our salon or on your patio having proper etiquette can enhance your tasting. For your next sipping adventure, follow these essential wine tasting tips.
Understanding Wine Tasting Etiquette 101
Wine has historically been associated with tradition and sophistication, not only in Napa Valley or Yountville but across the globe. How to enjoy fine wine is an art form that calls for practices that show respect for the wine in your glass and the people at your table. While the majority of people are not sommeliers, you can still maximize the enjoyment of tasting fine wine.
Before Tasting
Even before a glass of wine is served, it’s important to begin practicing etiquette. For example, at Cornerstone Cellars, we may ask that guests arrive on time, let us know of any underage or furry companions, or abstain from coffee or gum before their tasting. In fact, if you aren’t sure what our policies are you’re invited to call ahead of time to be fully informed.
During Tasting
The Right Glass for the Wine
Serving in the right glassware is essential to wine tasting. Not just an old wives tale, the shape of your wine glass can influence how well (or poorly) you can detect the subtleties in your wine. Different Cornerstone varietals can show better in specific glass shapes and sizes.
- The 2022 Farina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is enhanced when served in a stemmed glass with a smaller, more narrow bowl.
- The 2020 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir shines in a stemmed glass with a very wide bowl.
- The 2019 Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon should be served in a stemmed glass with a taller, larger bowl.
But First, Temperature…
Further enhance your wine tasting experience by serving wine at the proper temperature. Properly chilled (or what we may call “cellar temperature”) wine can significantly impact the experience and enjoyment. Here are the ideal serving temperatures for our wines.
- The 2022 Farina Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc should be served at 45°-50°F.
- The 2020 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir can be served at 55° F.
- The 2018 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and other full-bodied red wines can be served at 59°-64° F.
The Art of Pouring
How wine is poured allows for optimal aeration and aroma release. Proper etiquette calls for a one to two-ounce pour for a tasting or flight and five-ounce for a full pour. At your home, here’s how to properly pour your Cornerstone Cellars wines:
- Have a clean napkin or cloth nearby.
- Leaving the wine glass on the table, hold your bottle from the bottom half and tilt the neck over your glass to pour.
- Pour slowly and steadily to allow for slight aeration.
- To finish, tilt the bottle upwards with a slight twisting motion.
- Wipe the bottle’s lip with your clean napkin to prevent wine from dripping down the bottle.
Taste Wine With Purpose
Make the most of your tasting and avoid simple mistakes such as downing the glass quickly, talking loudly while others are sipping, or overfilling the glass. To fully appreciate the complexity of your Cornerstone Cellars collection, consciously sip your way through tasting. \
- See: Look at your wine. What color is it? How concentrated is the color?
- Swirl: Swirl the wine in your glass to release the aromatic compounds in the bowl of the glass.
- Sniff: Smell the wine. What aromas do you pick up on?
- Sip: Take a sip of the wine and notice any flavors or textures.
- Savor: Swish the wine around in your mouth and take note of how flavors and texture develop, change, or fade. How long or short is the finish?
After Tasting
Upon completion of your tasting experience, it’s important to continue wine salon etiquette by showing gratitude and leaving feedback. The conversation and social aspect of wine is truly important! If you’re at home surrounded by friends and family, ask them what their favorite wine was and why. Or if you’re visiting our Yountville salon, let our servers know your tasting notes and what stood out to you. You’re even welcome to purchase more Cornerstone varietals before you leave.
Enhance Your Yountville Wine Tasting Experience
We strive to give each and every guest the best Cornerstone Cellars wine tasting in Yountville. Apart from our craft wines, we invite you to enhance your tasting by pairing each wine with food. Whether you’re pairing the Farina Sauvignon Blanc with tortellini and arugula salad or the Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon with filet mignon, you can create harmonious pairings that embellish your wine and the dish you’re savoring.
Plan Your Next Cornerstone Cellars Visit
From everyone here at Cornerstone Cellars, we hope to see you soon. Regardless if you’re a regular member or a traveling visitor, we look forward to welcoming you to our community. Visitors can choose between two signature experiences, from our classic Taste of Cornerstone, a personalized selection of five wines for $50 per guest, or our seasonally available Pairings Flight with small bite accompaniments at $95 per guest.
Browse our wine club offerings and upcoming events to get to know more about us and what we offer. When you’re ready, book a tasting for your next trip to Yountville. We can’t wait to provide you with an exceptional journey into the world of Napa Valley wines.