Go behind the scenes at Brisbane's newest winery and learn about the art of making artisan local wines. This is an incredibly fun experience that is perfect for groups and couples.

This family-owned winery is located on the slopes of Mount Tamborine and offers sweeping views to complement your tasting session. Enjoy tasting their red and white wines as you refine your palate. Let us find out about the etiquettes of wine tasting Brisbane.

1. Know Your Wines

When attending a wine-tasting masterclass, it's important to be familiar with the wines that will be served. This will make the experience more enjoyable and allow you to ask questions about the wines being poured. It is also a good idea to learn about the different wine varieties and what characteristics each one offers. This will help you determine which wines you prefer and those you don't.

When tasting wines, it is recommended that you take a small sip and hold it in your mouth for 3-5 seconds. This allows the wine to coat your palate and gives you a more complex taste experience. When analyzing the wine, look for the following qualities: sweetness, fruitiness, saltiness, acidity, and alcohol. It is also helpful to know what the finish of the wine is like; some wines have a very long finish, while others disappear quickly.

It's also a good idea to avoid wearing perfume or cologne during your wine tasting. These scents can interfere with the wines you're tasting and alter your impressions. Lastly, wear comfortable shoes while walking around vineyards and wine production areas. It's also a good idea to bring a hat or scarf to avoid getting too warm during the event. This is especially important if you're visiting in the summer months.

2. Know Your Food Pairings

Some wine pairing advice can be overly strict. For example, a green chile cheeseburger would likely be discouraged in most food-pairing guides, but it can be very delicious with a crisp Chablis. Regardless, it is important to know the foods that pair well with different wines and how these combinations should be prepared to maximize the enjoyment of both.

While some of the best tastings happen without pairings, it is still recommended to serve light hors d'oeuvres during your wine tasting. These include cheese, cured meats, fruits and vegetable sticks, and pate. However, avoiding foods with strong flavors is also important as they may interfere with your ability to properly taste the wine.

Choosing the right glassware for your wine tasting is also very important. Ideally, a separate glass should be used for each wine as this will allow the flavours of each wine to stand out. It is also a good idea to have a bottle of water available for each guest during the tasting as this will help cleanse their palate between each tasting.

Another important thing to remember is that you will want to know the proper etiquette for tipping at a wine-tasting masterclass. Generally speaking, you should tip based on your service and tasting experience. However, this will vary based on the type of tasting and setup.

3. Know Your Wine Varieties

The world of wine can be intimidating – unfamiliar chateau names, extensive varietals, and misunderstood terms can make learning about wine seem like a lifetime's worth of work. However, knowing your wine varieties is a crucial part of the tasting process and will help you know whether a particular glass of wine is good. This will give you a better understanding of the wines produced in your area and help you choose which wine to serve your guests.

When tasting wine, begin with a small sip and gently swish it around your mouth. This warms the wine and will help you pick out its flavor profiles. Next, breathe steadily through your nose and try to identify its smells. It's important to take note of the fruitiness, saltiness, acidity, bitterness, and alcohol. Aim for a balanced taste experience, and be sure to note how long the taste of the wine stays with you afterwards-this is known as its finish and can be as short as a second or as long as a minute.

Another thing to remember is that the climate in Queensland affects the type of grapes and the quality of the wines. While the state may be most well known for its sandy beaches, it does churn out some impressive vino.

4. Know Your Wine Sommelier

You'll be paired with a wine expert who will walk you through a tasting masterclass of wines from different wineries. The experience is a great way to explore the city and try new wines. It's a fun activity to do with friends or family. The wine experts will answer all your questions about the wines you taste. The tasting masterclass can last up to two hours and is fun.

After taking a big whiff (checking for flaws like cork taint, volatile acidity, and wet, musty smells) and getting scent clues, it's time to taste the wine. Swirling and gurgling aren't just ways to look snobby in public; they expose more liquid to air, which allows you to taste the wine's acidity, sugar, alcohol, tannin, and other properties.

Sommeliers aren't savants with an insanely deep knowledge; they're trained to help you find wines that suit your tastes. Be honest about what you like and don't like, and be open to suggestions. Remember that you're in a partnership with the professional; they'll know if you're being dishonest. Moreover, they can tell if you aren't paying attention and need help. Also, make sure to get a quote in advance so that you can budget your trip properly. This will save you the hassle of dealing with the last-minute rush and expensive rates.