UNLVino 2010

I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Tasting at UNLVino 2010 this year. This was the first time I attended such a phenomenal event, and it was quite overwhelming. Between the fact that I haven’t drank in 3 months and the fact that there were over 110 tables with an average of 10 wines on each, I was quite a mess before it was over. A few tips for next year, and wine tastings in general :

1) Know your wines! Before getting there see if you can score an exhibitor guide, or alternatively go there with someone who knows what’s going on (both John and Matt were good guides). Visit the top wines / selections early, especially if you get in on a trade pass.
2) Remember that it is a TASTING event, not a DRINKING event. They have dump buckets and water at all the tables for a reason. I’m certain that one of the other reasons things got out of control is because I insisted on finishing all my glasses of wine, as opposed to tasting and moving on. Noone will be offended (or at least, they will be significantly less offended than the alternative).
3) Take your time and pace yourself. There is lots of water and other non-alcoholic beverages if you are thirsty.
4) In addition to eating a good breakfast, be sure to check out the various food buffets. There were some AWESOME appetizers and food items – I especially liked the puffy bbq pork “taco” that was quite reminiscent of a char siu bao from dim sum.
5) Make sure you have a power partner. I was not as focused on staying with the group or with a particular person, and ended up getting lost and having nothing to do but drink at times. When working with a partner I have someone to talk to and regulate as well as compare notes with.

I’m hoping I haven’t been added to the blacklist, and look forward to next years Grand Tasting, perhaps with a few Rock And Roll Wines events in between!