The Art and Profession of Wine Tasting: Exploring the Terminology and Roles

Wine tasting is a complex and enriching experience that is both an art and a profession. A wine taster analyzes the sensory qualities of wine, providing valuable insights and evaluation to inform decisions on investment, quality control, and customer satisfaction. There are various terms used to describe those involved in wine tasting and their roles. In this article, we explore these terms and their practical applications.

Understanding Wine Tasting Terminology

For someone who tastes wine, the correct term is a wine taster. Wine tasters can have varied roles, ranging from casual enthusiasts to professional experts. They are often involved in decision-making processes for their employers or clients. Wine tasters, wine buyers, wine critics, and wine writers all contribute to the wine industry in their unique ways.

Evolution of Wine Tasting Roles

Wine tasters can be categorized into different groups based on their involvement and function. These include:

Customers and guests: These individuals sample wine and provide feedback or purchase decisions. Trade professionals: These individuals are often wine buyers, sommeliers, or restaurateurs who use their tasting skills to assess wine quality and decide on investments. Judges: These are wine tasters who participate in formal wine competitions and evaluations.

The Dillettante vs. the Aficionado

Anyone who merely samples wine can be called a dilettante. On the other end of the spectrum, a person who embraces wine wholeheartedly is known as an aficionado. The aficionado is deeply passionate about wine, engaging in activities such as tasting, collecting, and learning about various wine varietals and regions.

Judy Griffith Gill's Unique Wine Tasting Journey

Judy Griffith Gill is a self-described con-iss-u-er of wine, meaning someone who enjoys wine without necessarily being paid for it. She tastes wine almost daily, although she hasn’t been paid to do so. Sometimes, she even gets to taste wine for free. This experience, according to her own perspective, makes her a con-iss-u-er of wine.

Professional Roles in Wine Tasting

In the context of professional wine tasting, roles can be more specialized:

A sommelier is a trained wine professional typically found in fine dining establishments. Their primary responsibilities include wine service and pairing with food. A sommelier’s role is not limited to merely tasting wine but includes knowledge of wine lists, storage, and serving temperatures. Sommeliers in Australia are often strategically positioned to be on par with chefs de cuisine in fine dining. A wine buyer is a professional responsible for selecting wine for sale in retail or restaurant settings. They rely heavily on their tasting skills to ensure the quality and desirability of the wines they procure. A suggestion: A waiter or sommelier may also taste wine before serving to check for any flaws or issues that could impact the dining experience.

Daily Wine Tasting Practices

Wine tasting is a subjective process. A sommelier, for example, tastes wine to ensure it meets specific quality standards before serving it to customers. This is crucial in fine dining where the wine should complement the food and enhance the overall dining experience.

Regular Joe and Wine Lovers

For the average wine enthusiast, there are several terms used to describe their passion for wine:

An alcoholic An alky A boozer A juice drinker (slang) A lush A wino

However, for the casual wine lover, it is more common to refer to themselves as simply a wine enthusiast or wine afficionado.

Understanding the terminology and roles in wine tasting is key to appreciating this complex and rewarding hobby. Whether you are a dilettante, aficionado, or a professional sommelier, the world of wine offers endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.