How to Create Your Own Wine Tasting Journal
melissa • November 21, 2024

Whether you’re a die-hard wine enthusiast or have just started exploring the best red wines for beginners, there’s nothing more satisfying than recalling all the wines you’ve tasted over the years. No matter if you prefer casual sips with friends or participate in more structured wine tastings, starting your own wine tasting journal is a fun and helpful way to record your experiences. A wine journal not only helps you remember the wines you’ve enjoyed but also allows you to track the nuances in flavors, aroma, and mouth feel.


In this article, we’ll walk you through creating your own wine tasting journal, from what to include in your tasting notes to helpful ideas for organizing different journal pages. It’s time to start sipping!


Why Create a Wine Tasting Journal?

A wine tasting journal is a personal tool that allows you to capture your thoughts on each bottle of wine you taste. It includes spaces to write down specific details, like the vintage, price, producer, region, and food pairing ideas. It’s especially helpful for those who enjoy trying new wines, as it provides a way to save your favorites or avoid buying wines that don’t suit your palate. Whether you’re tasting a crisp white or a full-bodied red, having a journal where you can write down your experiences will make you more mindful of the wines you enjoy and those you may want to avoid in the future.


What to Include in Your Wine Tasting Journal

When creating a wine journal, it’s important to decide what information you want to record. Here are some key elements to note in your tasting journal:


Wine Information

Start each wine journal entry with basic details about the wine you're tasting. For example, these may include the name or title of the wine, the producer, the vintage, and the region. You might also want to note the price, which can help if you think you might purchase the wine again in the future.


Tasting Notes

Wine tasting notes are the heart of any wine journal. After you take your first sip, write down the flavors that come to mind. Is the wine fruity, floral, earthy, or spicy? How’s the acidity, and does the wine feel light or full-bodied on your palate? Make sure to also note the aroma by putting your nose into the glass — what you smell before you take your first taste can greatly influence your overall perception of the wine. 


Don’t worry about sounding like an expert in your wine journal; just write what you taste. Your wine journal is for your personal use, so there’s no wrong way to describe your impressions. You can even draw inspiration from times you've tasted with friends by comparing their notes to your own.


Food Pairings

Great wine and food go hand-in-hand, and saving notes about the food you enjoyed during your tasting will make your wine journal more complete. If you’re eating while you drink the wine, record what meals worked well with the wine and what didn’t. For example, a light, crisp rosé might have been perfect with a fresh summer salad, while the taste of a rich, tannic red wine may have paired nicely with a heavier course such as a steak dinner. 


Personal Ratings and Thoughts

At the end of each wine journal entry, give the wine you tasted a rating. You could use a simple 1 to 5 scale or create your own system with stickers or symbols. You might also want to include a small image of the wine label for easy recall. This section is where you can get creative, so note down your personal thoughts or reviews. Was this wine something you would recommend to a friend? Would you drink it again? Save your favorite wines in your journal, and be proud of the wine-based experiences you've created!


Tips for Organizing Your Wine Tasting Journal

Use a Notebook

Decide whether you prefer to create a traditional notebook-style wine journal or use a digital app. A physical notebook allows you to preserve a specific wine label, draw decorative elements on the pages, write in the margins, and more. If you want to organize something tangible that you can hold, a physical wine journal will likely be your best option. If you don't feel like setting up a journal yourself, you can also purchase a pre-made wine journal that includes spaces specifically designed for recording the information mentioned above.


Use a Wine Tasting Journal App

If you prefer to have your wine journal accessible at all times, wine-tasting apps allow you to track and organize your tastings on the go and save your notes online. An app-based wine journal may be ideal if you are traveling a lot since there's nothing extra you have to carry on your journey. Some apps even allow you to share your wine journal entries, which can be especially rewarding if you're interested in submitting your wine opinions to public forums or sites. 


Keep Your Entries Simple

You don’t need to write a novel for each wine you taste. Instead, write short, easy-to-read entries that capture the key points of your wine tasting experience. This will make it easier to go back and review your notes when you’re deciding which wines to buy again. For example, you might write, "Light-bodied white wine with citrus aromas, good acidity, and paired wonderfully with seafood. Price: $30 per bottle." Short and sweet!


Review and Reflect

Over time, your wine journal will become a treasure trove of information. Take time to review your notes regularly, which will help you track the evolving preferences of your palate. By reviewing past wine journal entries, you can recall which wine stood out and why, helping you make more informed choices for purchases or wine tastings at a later date.


Sip Some Memories!

Creating a wine journal is a fantastic way for any person to enhance their wine tasting experiences. By tracking the wines you've tasted in a notebook or wine tasting app, you’ll not only improve your understanding of wine but also build a collection of memories to look back on. Whether you’re a casual drinker or an avid collector with an array of wines on your to-taste list, a wine journal provides a place to record that delicious glass of vintage rosé or sauvignon blanc so you can look back on it with enjoyment.


Ready to create your own wine tasting journal or curious about the difference between white and red wine? Sign up for a tasting at Jonathan Edwards Winery today and find the perfect bottle to add to your collection (or dinner table). We’re looking forward to providing you with awesome memories for your wine journal!

Categories


Sign up for blog updates!

Join my email list to receive updates and information.

Contact Us


Recent Posts

By melissa August 14, 2024
Winemaking is an art that begins in the vineyard, and the foundation of any vineyard lies in its soil. At Jonathan Edwards Winery in Connecticut, we understand that the quality of our wine starts from the ground up. The ...
By melissa June 18, 2024
You may already know that when it comes to wine, taste and aroma can be determined by the smallest factors, including terroir, age, and grape species. But did you know that the glass you choose can significantly impact y...
By melissa April 26, 2024
Visiting a winery is often seen as a sophisticated adult activity, filled with the nuances of tasting notes and the quiet ambiance of vineyard views. However, families who love to adventure together shouldn't have to mis...
By melissa December 28, 2023
Indulging in the perfect pairing of wine and chocolate is an art, and at Jonathan Edwards Winery, it becomes a sweet and storied affair. The delicate dance between flavors, textures, and aromas takes center stage, elevat...
By melissa October 27, 2023
At Jonathan Edwards Winery, we believe there is no better pairing than wine and cheese. Their flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a symphony of taste that leaves every palate wanting more. Whether you're ho...
By melissa August 14, 2024
Winemaking is an art that begins in the vineyard, and the foundation of any vineyard lies in its soil. At Jonathan Edwards Winery in Connecticut, we understand that the quality of our wine starts from the ground up. The ...
By melissa June 18, 2024
You may already know that when it comes to wine, taste and aroma can be determined by the smallest factors, including terroir, age, and grape species. But did you know that the glass you choose can significantly impact y...
By melissa April 26, 2024
Visiting a winery is often seen as a sophisticated adult activity, filled with the nuances of tasting notes and the quiet ambiance of vineyard views. However, families who love to adventure together shouldn't have to mis...
By melissa December 28, 2023
Indulging in the perfect pairing of wine and chocolate is an art, and at Jonathan Edwards Winery, it becomes a sweet and storied affair. The delicate dance between flavors, textures, and aromas takes center stage, elevat...
By melissa October 27, 2023
At Jonathan Edwards Winery, we believe there is no better pairing than wine and cheese. Their flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a symphony of taste that leaves every palate wanting more. Whether you're ho...
By melissa August 28, 2023
Wine aging, a captivating process that unlocks hidden dimensions of flavor and aroma, has been practiced and perfected over generations. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the science and art of aging wines, i...
By melissa June 28, 2023
Hosting a wine-tasting party is an excellent way to bring friends together for an enjoyable and sophisticated experience. Whether you're a wine aficionado or simply appreciate good wine, organizing a wine-centric gatheri...
By melissa April 28, 2023
There’s no doubt that wine is one of humanity’s oldest favorite beverages — it’s been enjoyed by cultures across the globe for thousands of years. While most people are content with simply finding the best-tasting wine, ...
By melissa February 28, 2023
Do you love wine? If you have a true passion for all things vino and love to show off your taste preferences, you should definitely consider starting a wine collection.
By melissa January 5, 2023
It's a well-known fact that fine wine only gets better with age — however, whether or not you will experience the exceptional flavors and aromas of matured wine can depend greatly on how you choose to store it. There are several wine bottle storage factors that can influence how well your wine ages in the long term and if you will be able to enjoy it to its full potential in the future. To ensure your wine collection is kept in optimal condition for your enjoyment, let's review the best way to store wine and why. Avoid Light An important wine storage tip everyone should know is to keep the bottles in dark locations. UV rays from the sun and light from manmade illumination can heat wine and cause its amino acids to oxidize, making it age prematurely. Wine bottles without a dark tint color are even more vulnerable to light exposure, so it's always best to store bottles in areas away from the light. Wrapping your wine bottles can help shield them from light exposure if you need an extra layer of protection. Store in a Horizontal Position One of the best ways to store wine is horizontally. When stored sideways, the cork is kept in constant contact with the wine itself. This allows the cork to remain moist and prevents it from drying out. Should the cork crack or become dry, then air will be able to enter the bottle and cause the wine to undergo oxidation — altering the wine's taste as a result. While horizontal placement may not be necessary for bottles without natural corks, this method is an efficient use of space that creates room for more storage. Maintain the Right Temperature Keeping an eye on the temperature is also essential for proper wine storage. It's best to keep your bottle around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, as temperatures above 70 degrees can cause the wine to age faster and rob it of its flavors and aromas. However, low temperatures aren't good for wine storage either. Cold conditions can dry out the corks and cause air to enter, and if the wine freezes, it could expand in size and force the cork out. Likewise, it's in your interest not to expose your wine bottles to frequent temperature changes. Any fluctuations can make the cork expand and contract, allowing air to enter and oxidize the wine. Therefore, maintaining a consistent temperature is ideal for helping wine last longer. Watch Humidity Levels Another environmental condition that can affect your wine is the humidity levels. Anywhere between 50 to 80 percent humidity is preferred for wine storage, as levels too high or too low can cause problems. Humidity is important for keeping the cork moist and preventing air from leaking in — but, if the environment you store wine in becomes too moist, it can lead to mold growth. For Premium Wine, Visit Jonathan Edwards Winery If you're searching for exceptional bottles of wine for your collection, restaurant, or special occasion, reach out to Jonathan Edwards Winery. We offer year-long wine subscriptions at affordable prices, as well as host vineyard weddings in CT . For more information on our wine selections and to place an order, reach out to our winery today!
Show More