Whether you tour an Oklahoma winery, visit a vineyard, or go to a local restaurant for wine tasting OKC, visiting any business in person is a huge deal, even if you do not realize it at first. By visiting local establishments, you do more than support that business – you also support the small and mid-sized businesses that contribute to its products. When you visit wineries and purchase Oklahoma grape wine, you are supporting Oklahomans.
When You Support an Oklahoma Winery:
As a Local
- You are shopping local and supporting Oklahoma businesses and products.
- You also support Oklahoma’s vineyards.
When Traveling from Out-of-State
- You are supporting a small or mid-sized business that appreciates your help.
- We appreciate you going out of your way to travel to Oklahoma and support our members.
If you are unable to travel to a winery or looking for more ways to support local wineries and vineyards, you can do this from the comfort of your own home by becoming a Friend of the Industry.
What to Know When Visiting an Oklahoma Grape Winery
Make an Appointment
The winery should know that you are coming. Even if they do not require appointments, it is best to do your research instead of showing up and finding out too late.
Consider the Time of Year
Most wineries are busiest in the summer and fall. During those seasons, visit earlier in the day to avoid the rush. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the winter or spring.
Do Your Research
Know what the Oklahoma winery offers and try to learn more about their specialties. Before stopping at a winery, look up their hours of operation and how much your experience will cost.
Try New Things
While it is always good to try a winery’s take on your regular favorites, do not be afraid to try new things. If a winery’s specialty is something that you are unfamiliar with, try to sample it. It is a specialty for a reason.
Ask Questions
During your visit, you will likely have the opportunity to learn from the experts. If you have any questions about wine or the winemaking process, do not hesitate to ask them.
Attending Your First Wine Tasting OKC?
Know What to Expect
If you are attending your first wine tasting during your visit, you may not know what to expect. By learning the 4 S’s of wine tasting, you can make the most out of your experience.
Avoid Perfumes
Your sense of smell impacts your sense of taste. Avoid strongly scented perfumes, colognes, and lotions, as they can negatively affect your (and everyone else’s) tasting experience.
Eat Before You Go
Sampling wine on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so eat before you go. Even if you spit out all of the wine that you sample, it will still enter into your system and affect you.
Have a Designated Driver
For any trip involving alcohol, there should always be a responsible and sober driver. Even if you do not swallow the wines that you sample, it is always best to be safe.
Get in touch to learn more about becoming a Friend of the Industry.