Tasting new wines not only helps to establish your personal preferences; it also enlivens your senses (often in beautiful surroundings). Not only that, but it could give you a few ideas about which wines you might like to use alongside your favorite dishes.
Alternatives to booking a tasting session include specialized events such as wine tours, which take you through multiple vineyards while learning about the culture, history and winemaking process in each one. Throughout the visit you’ll also have the opportunity to sample the wines on-site for a truly immersive and enjoyable experience.
A huge variety of beautiful vineyards exist around the world (including the wonderful Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley), but if you’re new to wine tasting and not sure where to start, try your hometown: searching for local vineyards is a great way to try wine tasting before you decide to venture further afield.
Most people might not give a second thought about what to wear to a wine tasting, but if you are likely to be walking through vineyards, it’s a good idea to wear something comfortable. Another important tip is to avoid wearing fragrances, as they could compromise your tasting experience.
As with most things, it’s all about practice: at your initial wine tasting, bring a pad and paper with you so that you can write down tasting notes about all the wines you try for future reference. If you’re unsure how to do this, or what you’re “looking for” – just follow the “5 S’s” of wine tasting:
Hold your glass up against a white background so that you can see the edge where the wine meets the glass (this is called the “rim”). This is a little like looking at the rings of a tree trunk, since the opacity and color of the rim will tell you a lot about the age of wine. In general, both white and red wines darken as they age, and may even turn a slight brickish color.
This is a commonly-known practice in wine tasting used to aerate the glass and break up the esters in the wine: compounds made during the winemaking process. When the glass is swirled, the esters break and the aromas are released into the glass.
Put your nose into the glass, take a deep inhale and see what you can smell. This part of the tasting can take practice, as in some cases the differences between wines may be very subtle, but may start to notice new aromas as your palette develops over time.
When sipping the wine, allow it to roll over the tongue to engage all your tastebuds, and allow a little air into your mouth to release more of the flavors. Make sure to sip twice (the second tasting may reveal more flavors and aromas), and don’t be afraid to spit: this is actually common practice in wine tasting, as it enables you to cleanse your palate without overconsumption.
Finally, savor the wine: see how long certain flavors linger for on the palette, and how intense they appear to be. If you find yourself especially drawn to a particular wine, you can also ask to purchase your very own bottle to savor at home.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…