Someone asked me the other day what kind of people come through the cellar door at Latitude 32 Wines.
My answer was simple: people looking to have a good time… because why else are you here?
But it got me thinking. When you stand behind the tasting bench long enough, you start to notice the characters.
The confident swirler (a little aggressive but fully committed). The quiet observer who says, “I don’t know much about wine,” and then casually picks out the best one on the table.
The overthinker, staring into their glass like the answer might reveal itself if they concentrate hard enough.
And, of course, the die-hard “I only drink Sauvignon Blanc” guest… who, 20 minutes later, is deep into a Shiraz wondering how they got there.
Then there’s those characters that panic sip, you know the feeling, where you taste, pause, and feel like you should say something intelligent. “Yes… I’m getting… notes of… wine.”
Then what stuck with me is how intimidating it can be to be tasting in the cellar door. Trust me it is not a test. No one is marking your answers. There is no secret wine exam happening while you panic about whether you’re tasting “notes of citrus” or just… wine.
Your cellar door host is there to support you, not smother you or make you feel stupid. Think of them as your own person tutor if you want to use them that way.
Ask them questions, make sure they are explaining things to you in a manner you understand. They shouldn’t be hovering over you delivering a running commentary like a podcast you didn’t subscribe to.
It’s your experience so get out of it what you want.
What makes your experience even better? The moment you stop trying to “get it right” is the moment wine becomes more fun. Say what you like. Tell us what you don’t like. Ask questions. Prefer the cheaper wine? Order it proudly. Want your red chilled on a hot summer day? Excellent call. Drinking sparkling at 10am? Fully supported. Start on a red and then circle back to “just try that white again”? Even better.
So next time you walk into a cellar door, relax. Be curious. Enjoy it.
We’re not looking for perfect tasters. We’re looking for people who are ready to have a good time.
For more lifestyle stories:
- Are you inclined to recline, ask Matt and Brett
- Russ Eats… The unfiltered voice of Newcastle’s food scene
- Your guide to markets in our region
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