DaveIntroduction: Why You Should Take Notes at a Wine Festival
Let’s be real—when you’re sipping and swirling dozens of wines at a festival, your memory can get… a little hazy. That bold red you loved? The crisp white you wanted to find again? Gone. That’s why learning how to take notes on wines you love at a wine festival is a total game changer. It’s not about being a sommelier—it’s about remembering what you liked and why.
And whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or prepping for your next Steps Wine Festival adventure, keeping solid notes ensures that all those great tasting experiences aren’t forgotten by the next booth.
So grab your pen (or your app, if you must), and let’s walk through the 6 best tips for taking wine notes like a pro.
Tip 1: Use a Dedicated Wine Tasting Journal
Why a Journal Beats Your Phone
Phones are tempting, sure—but between notifications, battery issues, and the temptation to scroll, they’re not your best friend here. A small, pocket-sized tasting journal makes it easy to jot things down without distractions. Plus, writing by hand actually helps you remember things better.
Bringing a dedicated wine tasting notebook makes you feel more intentional and tuned in. And there’s something special about flipping through handwritten notes later and remembering that sunny afternoon under the tasting tent.
What to Include in Your Wine Notes
Keeping it simple is key. These are the must-have details you’ll want to jot down:
Wine Name & Vintage
Always start with the wine’s full name and year. This helps when you try to look it up or buy it later.
Winery Name
There might be five Chardonnays on your list—knowing the winery ensures you find the exact one you loved.
Grape Variety
This is especially useful if you’re still learning your preferences. Do you lean toward Pinot Noir or Syrah?
Tasting Notes (Aroma, Body, Flavor, Finish)
Describe what you see, smell, and taste. Is it fruity? Smoky? Does it linger or disappear fast?
Food Pairing Ideas
Note what you think it would taste amazing with—cheese, steak, dessert? Or maybe just a second glass!
Tip 2: Create a Simple Rating System
Using Numbers, Symbols, or Stars
Whether it’s a 1–5 scale, stars, or hearts, create a consistent system that’s fast and personal. For example:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = I NEED this wine in my life.
- ⭐⭐⭐ = Good, but not life-changing.
- ⭐ = Skip it next time.
You could even use emojis if you’re feeling fun. 🍷🔥 means “hot favorite.” 😐 = meh.
Consistency Makes Comparison Easier
The real trick is using the same system throughout the festival. That way, when you go back to your notes, you’re not decoding your own shorthand.
Tip 3: Take Quick Notes in Real Time
Don’t Overthink It—Jot Down What You Feel
When you take a sip, quickly note your first impressions. You don’t need poetic metaphors—just honest reactions.
Did it make your eyes widen? Was it too dry? Did it remind you of cherries or maybe leather and smoke? Go with your gut.
Capture the Moment: Sights, Smells, and Sounds
Include little bits of the moment—what music was playing, the vibe of the booth, the person who poured it. These extra touches bring the memory back to life.
And don’t forget to hydrate! Stay safe and review wine festival wellness tips here.
Tip 4: Use Digital Tools (If You Must)
Best Apps for Wine Lovers
Okay, okay—we get it. If paper isn’t your thing, go digital. Apps like Vivino, Delectable, or CellarTracker let you scan labels, write reviews, and keep a digital cellar.
They’re great for organizing wines, checking crowd-sourced ratings, and tracking your preferences.
Sync with Social Media (Carefully!)
If you’re snapping pics and sharing notes on Instagram or Twitter, remember: festival Wi-Fi may be sketchy. Stay connected with tips here.
Be sure to follow up and organize your posts after the festival so you don’t lose your notes in a sea of selfies.
Tip 5: Label Bottles or Take Photos
Snap & Scribble: Use Photo Captions for Notes
Take a photo of the wine label and immediately caption it in your phone with a note or rating. It’s quick, visual, and easy to reference later.
Bonus: It’s also a smart move when you’re too busy chatting or your journal’s in your bag.
Carry Wine Tags or Mini Stickers
Tiny stickers or wine glass tags can help you mark bottles you loved if you’re buying or sampling several. Mark them with numbers or colors to match your notes.
For big events, these little tools make a huge difference. More ideas on handling large wine events here.
Tip 6: Review and Organize Your Notes Post-Festival
Turn Messy Scribbles into Meaningful Records
Once you’re back home (and sober), go through your notes. Clean them up, type them into a spreadsheet or digital app, and reflect on what stood out.
Use this as a moment to recall your overall experience—your favorite wines, least favorite varietals, and standout wineries.
Build Your Personal Wine Favorites List
Start a “Top 10 Wines I’ve Tasted” list. Or even build a wish list for your next purchase or festival. Referencing this list helps make smarter wine buys later.
You’ll thank yourself during your next wine run—or when planning a group visit to a wine fest.
Bonus Tips for Making the Most of Your Notes
Be Honest With Your Taste Preferences
Don’t write what you think you should like. Be true to your palate. You’re building a wine profile for you, not a textbook.
Share Notes with Friends or Groups
Use your notes as a conversation starter with fellow wine lovers. Host a wine night where you each bring your top-rated pick from the fest.
You can even build a shared note with your crew. Tag your group wine fest moments and keep the spirit alive.
Internal Links to Supercharge Your Wine Fest Planning
Before your next tasting adventure, prep yourself with these essential reads from Steps Wine Fest:
- Festival Logistics: Nail down where, when, and how.
- Preparation Tips: Get ready like a seasoned wine traveler.
- Tasting Strategies: Sip smarter, not harder.
- Post-Festival Tips: Keep the wine buzz going after the event.
- Emergency and Health Safety: Just in case things go sideways.
- Energy and Wellness: Stay energized, hydrated, and upright!
For more on memory-making, favorites, and memorabilia:
Conclusion
Taking notes on wines you love at a festival isn’t about being fancy—it’s about keeping track of the tastes and moments that wowed you. Whether you’re using a tasting journal, an app, or wine tags, what matters is that you’re creating a snapshot of your wine journey.
So next time you’re swirling, sniffing, and sipping your way through a sea of booths, take just a few seconds to jot something down. Your future wine-loving self will thank you—and probably raise a glass in your honor.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the best app for taking wine notes at a festival?
A: Vivino is popular and user-friendly, letting you scan labels and save notes. Delectable is also great for social features.
Q2: How many wines should I realistically take notes on?
A: Aim for quality over quantity. Try to take notes on 10–15 wines you genuinely like instead of rushing through 30+ tastings.
Q3: Should I note food pairings too?
A: Absolutely! It helps recreate the magic later. Write down food ideas that popped into your head while tasting.
Q4: What if I forget to take notes during the event?
A: Snap photos and jot down details later that night while it’s still fresh. Use labels or bottle shots to jog your memory.
Q5: Is it rude to take notes at a booth?
A: Not at all. Most pourers appreciate someone who’s genuinely interested. Just be quick and considerate of others.
Q6: What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies—should I include that in my notes?
A: Yes. Make a note if a wine didn’t sit well or was labeled with allergens. More on that here.
Q7: How do I keep my notes organized after the fest?
A: Type them into a spreadsheet or use a wine tracking app. You can even organize by varietal or occasion for future reference.