Wine Tasting FAQ with Sonoma Vintner Ross Halleck

For anyone planning a trip to Sonoma or simply curious about the wine tasting experience, award-winning winemaker Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard in Sebastopol, answers your most pressing wine tasting questions.

Drawing on years of expertise in Sonoma’s celebrated Russian River Valley, Ross offers practical tips and insider knowledge for a memorable tasting experience.

How many glasses are in a bottle of wine?

“Each bottle has four to five glasses, depending on your pours.”

How long does a winery tasting take?

“A tasting at our winery averages between 90 minutes and two hours, during which we taste through six, sometimes seven, different wines.”

How much should you tip at a wine tasting?

“Tipping at a wine tasting is personal but polite. In today’s more expansive service environment, tipping 15-20%—as you would in a restaurant—is appreciated. Of course, you can always be more generous.”

How many wines do you taste during a wine tasting?

“The number of wines poured varies. It could be as few as three or as many as eight. At Halleck Vineyard, we used to pour eight wines, but we found it took too long. Now, we typically pour four to six.”

Are wine tastings fun?

“Absolutely! Wine tastings offer a sense of connection to the land where the wine is made and provide a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world who share a common interest. It’s a perfect setting for conversation.”

Is Sonoma or Napa better for wine?

“It’s a personal choice. Napa Valley is more concentrated and offers fewer varietals, making it possible to visit three wineries in a day. Sonoma County, which is two-and-a-half times larger, boasts 18 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and many more varietals. You could spend a week exploring Sonoma and barely scratch the surface.”

What should you avoid doing before a wine tasting?

“Don’t wear lipstick or cologne. Tasting relies heavily on smell, and strong scents can interfere with the experience for you and others.”

What wine is good for a beginner?

“It’s hard to predict what someone new to wine will like. Generally, starting with white wines is a good idea as they cleanse the palate and prepare it for the deeper, more nuanced flavors of reds.”

Do you swallow during a wine tasting?

“Whether to swallow is a personal choice. When tasting professionally, I never swallow—I spit. Socially, I enjoy swallowing the wine, but if I reach a point where it’s uncomfortable, I’ll spit while continuing to taste.”

How much does a typical wine tasting cost?

“The range is broad. Some wineries still offer free tastings, but most charge between $25 and $150, with premium tastings going even higher. Costs usually reflect the average price of the wines served.”

Do you need reservations for a wine tasting in Sonoma?

“Most wineries today require reservations, though a few still allow drop-ins. Reserved experiences are often more curated, such as seated tastings or pairings, while drop-ins are generally simpler.”

What is the best month to visit Sonoma?

“Every month offers something unique. September and October are busy with harvest season, but winter months like December are quieter and just as beautiful, with sunny days and serene vineyard landscapes.”

Why is Russian River Valley Pinot Noir so good?

“Many winemakers attribute its quality to the fog and maritime influence, but it’s more complex than that. For example, we work with a vineyard on the eastern side of Sonoma Mountain that gets no coastal influence yet produces extraordinary Pinot Noir. The beauty of Russian River Pinot Noir is ultimately beyond explanation—it’s something to simply appreciate.”

What snacks go well with wine?

“Cheese, crackers, and dried fruits are classic choices. The specific pairing depends on the wine, but these are safe bets across most varietals.”

What cheeses pair best with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir?

“From my experience, aged Gouda, truffle brie, piranha cheese, and goat Gouda pair beautifully with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.”

Is it rude not to buy a bottle of wine at a tasting?

“Rude might be too strong a word, but it’s impolite. If you’ve enjoyed the wines and the hospitality, buying at least one bottle is a good-faith gesture that supports the winery.”

Can I wear jeans to a wine tasting?

“Absolutely. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable. The most important thing is to wear something you’re comfortable in.”

Why do you swirl and smell wine?

“Swirling and smelling engage your senses and prime your palate for the full flavor experience. Aroma plays a significant role in how we perceive wine.”

Where are you doing this interview from?

“I’m at our wine lodge, on the deck of the Airbnb we offer to our wine club members, inner circle members, and guests from around the world. Wine is included with the stay, and we have a finished sauna and a beautiful deck tucked in the woods next to the vineyard.”

Ross Halleck’s insights make navigating the Sonoma wine tasting experience effortless and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a first-time visitor, his advice ensures a rewarding trip to the heart of California’s wine country.