A Food Fun Travel Guest Post
From the stunning Northern Territory outback to the breathtaking beaches of Queensland, Australia has so much to offer travelers. One of the country’s greatest attractions is its array of iconic wine regions, including the gorgeous Hunter Valley region nestled in New South Wales. Many tourists explore the area and its delicious wines by going on a group wine tour, such as those offered by Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours.
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a fun little getaway, these private group tours are an amazing activity for any wine lover. There are some key do’s and don’ts when attending any wine tour. Here are a few you can follow to ensure your wine tour etiquette is second to none.
Do: Plan to Eat
One of the most important rules is to never drink on an empty stomach. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can be bad for your health. Usually, food keeps alcohol from entering the small intestine and the bloodstream, but when there’s no food in your system, there’s no barrier, which can lead to lack of mental coherence and physical coordination. Not to mention if you go hungry all day, you could find yourself feeling pretty cranky very quickly. Eat before you go on your wine tour or pack some snacks to keep you going throughout the day.
Don’t: Get Too Tipsy
While you want to have fun with your friends, you’ll want to avoid overindulging in the wine and getting too intoxicated. Doing so could spoil your day and make you appear disrespectful to the vineyard workers. Plus, nothing ruins a fun wine tour like some nausea or a killer headache. Be mindful of your consumption and take breaks if you’re starting to feel inebriated.
Do: Ask Questions
Wine tours are the perfect opportunity to kick start your wine education (or to top it up if you’ve already started your learning journey). You’ll learn about where these wines were made, how they were made, and who developed the brands. Be sure to embrace this for the learning experience it is and ask any questions that pop to mind during your tastings. The staff at the vineyards and cellar doors you’ll be visiting will surely be eager to share their knowledge with you.
Don’t: Skip Out On Water
When it comes to surviving your wine tour and making the most of the experience, hydration is key. Unfortunately, wine isn’t the most hydrating substance, so you need to ensure you’re sipping away on more than just vino. Aim to have at least one glass of water per hour at each vineyard or cellar door you visit. By staying hydrated, you’ll boost your stamina and enjoy as much of the tour as possible. Plus, you’ll avoid a hangover.
Anyone planning to take a wine tour in the Hunter Valley will want to ensure they follow these handy do’s and don’ts to make the most of this unique experience. Happy touring and tasting, wine lovers!
