How to Develop Your Wine Palate: Expert Tasting Guide
Our senses are remarkable, and our sense of taste and smell are perhaps the most fascinating of all. A single whiff of a perfume can transport you back years, unlocking long-forgotten memories. But like any other part of our body or mind, these senses need regular exercise to keep them sharp.
If you’re into wine, chances are you want to deepen your appreciation for the flavours and aromas in every glass. Training your palate will allow you to experience wine on a whole new level—helping you uncover hidden notes, savour the subtleties, and truly enjoy the complexity of each bottle.
Here are six simple ways to develop your palate and elevate your wine game.
1. TAKE YOUR TIME
When it comes to wine, patience pays off. Just as you wouldn’t rush through your favourite meal, wine should be savoured slowly. Let it sit on your tongue, and pay attention to the flavours as they unfold.
What’s happening in your mouth? How does your brain react? Taking a mindful approach will allow you to enjoy the wine more fully and pick up on its subtleties with every sip.
2. FOLLOW THE STEPS
Look. Smell. Taste. These steps are the foundation of wine tasting. Start by appreciating the colour of the wine—it’s not just aesthetic. Our brains are influenced by colour, and a rich red might prepare you for bold flavours, while a pale white primes your tastebuds for bright acidity.
Taking a moment to analyse the wine’s appearance also helps engage the analytical side of your brain, which plays a key role in recognising flavours and aromas. Plus, let’s face it: wine can be stunning to look at, so take a second to appreciate it.
3. USE YOUR IMAGINATION
Before you taste the wine, inhale deeply and let your mind wander. Visualise the aromas and imagine what they might represent. For example, a good Bordeaux might evoke the scent of red berries, followed by notes of plum, woodsmoke, or even dead leaves.
By using your imagination to ‘see’ the layers of a wine’s aroma, you can uncover its complexity and enjoy the experience on a deeper level.
4. FOCUS BEYOND THE INITIAL TASTE
The first flavour you notice might dominate, but there’s always more to discover. Challenge yourself to go beyond that initial note. Once you’ve identified one flavour, set it aside mentally and ask, “What else?”
Pay attention to how the wine evolves as it moves across your palate. Different parts of your tongue will detect different elements—acidity, sweetness, bitterness—so take the time to explore how the flavours change from the first sip to the finish.
5. EXPLORE TEXTURE AND MOUTH-FEEL
Wine is about more than just flavour; it’s also about how it feels in your mouth. A wine’s body, texture, and weight can reveal just as much as its aroma or taste. Is it silky, oily, or light? Do the tannins dry out your mouth, or is the wine smooth and round?
Viognier, for instance, often has a rich, oily texture that’s unmistakable once you’ve experienced it. Tuning into these textural elements adds another layer to your understanding of wine.
6. ENGAGE MEMORY
Memory plays a huge role in developing your palate (as the Anton Ego character in Ratatouille testofies). The more wines you taste, the better you’ll become at recalling flavours and aromas—and recognising them when you encounter them again.
Some notes will naturally stick with you. For me, it’s the elderflower in Hungarian whites and the earthiness of a good Rioja. If you’re new to wine tasting, jot down your impressions after each glass. Keeping a record will help you track your preferences and refine your palate over time.
THE TAKEAWAY
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try wines you think you won’t like—because understanding what doesn’t work for you is just as valuable as knowing what does. And who knows? A bottle you once dismissed might end up surprising you.
There are thousands of wines out there waiting to be explored. So, grab a glass, take your time, and enjoy the journey. If you’re not sure where to start, why not try a wine subscription? It’s an easy, fun way to discover new favourites and train your palate along the way. Cheers!
GAME, SET AND MATCHED?
Check out Decanter writer Lauren Ead's piece demystifying wine and food matching (spoiler – she goes beyond the obvious pairs).