Answer by: Becky Sue Epstein
Interesting question.
There aren't grape tastings for a few reasons, among them:
-- hardly anyone asks
-- the minute the grapes are ready to harvest, they are brought in and used for wine
-- they have a different flavor profile from table grapes, and would be difficult for consumers to evaluate
Wine grapes or juice (must) can be purchased for making your own wine -- look online.
About the Expert:Becky Sue Epstein is an experienced lifestyle writer and editor, concentrating on wine and spirits. For the past twenty years she has provided food, wine and spirits coverage for local, regional, and national publications including Art & Antiques, Food & Wine, Luxury Golf & Travel, Wine Spectator and Yankee Magazine.
She began her career as a restaurant reviewer for The Los Angeles Times while working in film and television during the 1980s and early 1990s. Having spent several years living abroad, Epstein also writes about travel and entertaining; she is considered a dessert wine expert as well.
Currently based in New England, Epstein holds the position of Senior Editor, Wine & Spirits for the national lifestyle publication Intermezzo Magazine. She is a contributor to Sante Magazine, Beverage Business and other trade and consumer publications. Visit Becky Sue Epstein's website: Becky Sue Epstein
Answer by: Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
I am not aware of "grape tastings" as such. You can purchase grapes for home winemaking from various sources, but there is usually a minimum weight, so this isn't practical for your purposes.
Probably the best way to taste a range of grapes from different varieties would be to visit a vineyard at or near harvest. There is no question that you can note differences in aroma and taste as you chew the grapes, although making the connection between the overall taste profile of the fruit and the finished wine is not necessarily obvious. To get a reasonable sense, taste several grapes of the same variety. Chew just the skin of one, the pulp of another, the pips or seeds of a third, and, last, the entire grape.
About the Expert:Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade, and he last served as a senior executive with a major national importer. In 2006, he launched Millesima USA, a retail entity affiliated with Europe's leading fine wine mail order company. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993, and he has been very active as an educator and speaker at wine festivals and conferences. He hosts a community television program entitled "Wine's Simple Pleasures," and is currently working on a book of original recipes and wine pairing solutions. Visit Roger C. Bohmrich, MW's website: MILLESIMA USA LLC
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