It feels like Fall.  We just had a torrential downpour here in Sacramento for the past few days.  There’s a chill in the air and I can smell the grape harvest in the air.  Awww, yes, I can catch a whiff of Merlot.  Oh yes, there’s that Cabernet.  Awww, there’s that sexy Sangiovese calling my name.

 Yes, it’s that time, wine sippers.  It’s time for the glut of Fall wine festivals that have begun.  I planned a wine event so this is the time for the rash of wine chugging events.  Actually, they are officially called wine tasting festivals, but we all know the real reason for these events–to drink fabulous wine, sample incredible eats and to feel that luxurious wine buzz. 

 I am not promoting wine festivals as a reason to get sloshed.  It’s just interesting how those small wine samples sneak up on you after you have sampled oh say, 100 wineries.  Wine drinkers need to pace themselves and make sure you to nibble on some cheese and crackers as you journey through the festival.

 Also, they have those wine tasting plates available for a reason. I’d definitely grab one when you enter the event. Don’t be caught walking around like a novice wine drinker by juggling your sample glass and a plate full of teetering edibles. 

 Here are a few VinoGirls tips for the wine festival goer:

1.  Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be walking around (maybe making a second or third return to that favorite winery who serves the impeccable Cabs). 

 2.  Do not wear white or light colored clothing.  There is always going to be Mr. or Ms. Klutzy Wine Guzzler who will bump into you, spilling the blood-red Cabernet down the front of your shirt.  Even though you might look morbid, I’d suggest wearing all black.  You won’t go wrong if someone dumps an entire case of red wine on you throughout the day!

 3.  Do not get into arguments with the wine maker or server.  They know what they are talking about since obviously, they made the wine and are serving it.  I’ve actually seen wine samplers argue the bouquet and other wine points with the wine maker.  It was very sad and very novice of them.    Don’t be a wine sipping ass!  Just drink and enjoy!

 Remember if you do attend one of these wine chugging events to drink responsibly and have a designated, non-guzzling attendee on hand (or call a taxi or use their shuttle services–a lot of wine festivals now have shuttle services for the wine gluttons who proceed to drink themselves stupid).

 Enjoy the Fall harvest.  I plan to attend at least one wine chugging festival in the foothills in the next few months.  The grapes are calling my name!