Tips for A Better Tasting Experience
You just made reservations to wine taste at a local winery… now what?
To get the inside scoop, Thibido co-founder and owner Gibsey Beckett shares her top tips for making the most out of any tasting room visit. She’s poured and hosted everyone from first-time tasters to seasoned collectors, and knows exactly what makes a tasting feel relaxed, memorable, and genuinely fun.
Here’s her guide — plus a few friendly notes from the tasting team as your unofficial winery experience Sherpas.
1. “Arrive on time to set the tone.”
“When we can greet guests at their reservation on time, you and the staff breathe a little easier,” says Gibsey. “We can get you settled, and pour that first wine without anyone feeling rushed.”
If you arrive a few minutes early, even better — it gives you a moment to settle in, peek around the property, possibly run into a winemaker and enjoy the views.
2. “Every tasting room is different — know your expectations.”
“Knowing is half the battle; know what kind of tasting you reserved— seated, guided, outdoors, indoors, whatever the format may be,” shares Gibsey.
A quick scan of your confirmation email sets the stage for a smooth visit, a relaxing experience and ensuring you’re prepared and dressed accordingly. Extra layers for a cellar tasting or sunscreen and hats for a patio tasting or vineyard walk.
3. “Ask all the questions — we love that.”
“The best tastings happen when people are curious,” she says. “Ask anything — vineyard questions, food pairings, winemaking choices, farming practices. What’s in a name? You’re not being tested; you’re engaging.”
Tasting Team note: Truly — ask away. It makes the experience richer, and as hosts we love connecting over these details. Tip: If you ask about soil, you’ll make Josh’s day.
4. “Sip slow. There’s plenty of wine in Paso.”
“Pace yourself, there’s no pressure to finish every pour. One taste of wine can be an entire sensory experience! And follow the five S’s of tasting wine: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip and Savor. See: Observe the color of the wine, Swirl to properly aerate the wine and open the bouquet, Sniff: get your nose in the bowl of the glass to really sniff out the introduction of the wine. When you sip be sure to coat your entire tongue and expose the taste buds on all sides of your tongue, and as you savor the wine, tune in to the flavors, the textures, the acid, tannin and Savor the finish.”
Spitting is totally normal — and honestly, it’s pro-level.
5. “Buy what you love — but don’t feel pressured.”
Gibsey’s philosophy is gracious:
“Take home something that sparks joy. If a wine speaks to you, that’s the perfect reason to bring it home with you. And I recommend purchasing a few bottles of your favorites because wine evolves so much over time and a wine you liked in the tasting room today you might love a few months or years later.”
Tasting Team Note: This is the one tip Gibsey won’t say out loud — but we’ll say it for her:
Buying a bottle (even just one!) is a meaningful way to support a small winery. It helps keep tasting rooms thriving, and it’s the best souvenir you can take home. Think of it as your way to say thank-you.
6. “Tip if you had a great experience. It really does mean something.”
“Tasting room hospitality is hands-on,” Gibsey says. “You’re spending real time with your host, and a tip is a thoughtful way to acknowledge great service.”
Tasting Team Note: Even a modest tip goes a long way. We enjoy our jobs immensely and love connecting with you when you’re here. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact.
7. “Take photos! But also take a breath and be present.”
“We love seeing guests capture the beauty of the vineyard and their tasting experience,” she says. “We share an authentic tasting experience with guests inside our winery while beyond the winery offers sweeping views of our vineyards and the surrounding Willow Creek landscape.”
And yes — tag us @thibidowinery or @eclsuewines . It genuinely makes our day.
A Final Word
“Be honest about what you like. You don’t have to love everything.”
“If you don’t prefer something, don’t feel like you have to hide,” she says. “Every palate is different, and sharing your preference honesty helps us guide you to wines you’ll enjoy most.”
There’s no right or wrong — just what lights you up.
“Wine tasting should feel warm and inviting,” she says. “Come as you are, be curious, ask questions, soak up the moment, and enjoy the journey.”