Wine Festivals and Fairs are gaining momentum both in Romania and abroad, offering the perfect opportunity for exploration (discover industry news), education (learn about new grape varieties, methods, and winemaking processes), socializing (wine brings together experts and enthusiasts in communities, groups, and associations), and… why not, economic and tourism opportunities.

As a general approach, once you’ve got your tickets, it’s a good idea to check the list of wineries, vineyards, or producers attending the event and make a priority list. Chances are, you won’t have time to visit them all or it might be too exhausting .
Another option is to guide yourself by the types of wines you want to taste… maybe white and rosé on day one, and reds on day two.

On the principle of “don’t do what they did”… avoid zig-zagging between wineries and falling into the producers’ “trap” of tasting their entire wine range. I ended up with a delightful “wine salad” in just a few hours and couldn’t taste a single aroma by the end .
It should be fun, after all but having a strategy helps .

The first golden rule, often ignored: DO NOT wear perfume, cologne, scented creams, or anything with fragrance. Why? Because all efforts to detect wine notes and aromas will be in vain you won’t smell a thing.

As for attire: comfortable, but not *too* comfortable. So, no shorts and flip-flops, but also no suit and tie. Some events mention a dress code, but if not, smart casual is the way to go.
*For the ladies: stilettos might not be the best choice, comfort matters, you’ll be standing a lot, possibly walking, and if the event is outdoors, those heels will sink perfectly into the grass .*

Regarding “storage” or bags/purses… it’s tricky and up to you. But if you plan to buy and take home some bottles, make sure you have space (hint: some organizers offer bottle storage until the end of the event so you don’t have to carry them around).

Again, hint for the ladies… make-up
Yes, we’re talking about makeup especially lipstick, lip gloss, etc. There’s nothing wrong with wearing them, but the marks they leave on glasses aren’t exactly elegant.

Another golden rule: hydration. Absolutely essential not just for survival, but to endure the event like a pro. Not all organizers provide water, so we recommend bringing a bottle in your bag.
Closely tied to water: eat! It’s very important not to start tasting on an empty stomach. You’ll feel the alcohol faster, it’ll hit harder, and your stamina will drop. A light meal beforehand, with enough protein and carbs, is ideal even if you might get some snacks at the event.

One thing I’ve noticed from other attendees especially at outdoor events with large areas, a wine glass holder can be super handy, especially when you’re carrying other things while moving from one producer to another.

And something that might just be my personal quirk: conversation starters or how to “break the ice” with producers. I usually do my homework beforehand and use the opportunity to learn as much as I can directly from the source. But that might be a “professional habit,” so even a simple approach like “Hi, I’d love to try the Chardonnay from your X range…” works just fine.

One useful tip I once received: rinsing your tasting glass. If you can’t switch glasses and only have one, remember that it’s usually not rinsed with water, but with the next wine you’ll be tasting to “prepare” the glass. Water can dilute the wine if not rinsed properly.

Last but not least, though I’m sure some will disagree , use the “spittoon.” You won’t be able to taste *all* the wines, and sometimes you just won’t like one. It’s the only place to “dispose” of it, so we stick to the principle: quality over quantity.