One of the most common questions I hear from beginner wine enthusiasts is: “How do you learn to pick out all those aromas and flavors in a wine?”

The short answer? It’s a skill and a process! If you have the desire to take your wine tasting to the next level, this guide will help you move beyond just sipping—allowing you to fully experience and appreciate wine like never before.

Wine tasting is both an art and a science, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating! Ever heard someone describe notes of cherry, vanilla, or even leather and spice? You’re not alone in wondering how they do it.

In this blog, I’ll introduce you to The 7-S Technique—a simple yet powerful method that will help you identify aromas and flavors, explore mouthfeel and finish, and refine your palate so you can taste wine with confidence. This structured approach breaks down each sensory aspect of wine—from color to finish—allowing you to sharpen your skills and appreciate wine on a whole new level!

My Journey Into Wine Tasting

I still remember the first time I truly paid attention to a glass of wine. Sure, I had sipped wine before, but I never fully grasped what made one glass different from another—why some wines felt silky and smooth while others were bold and intense.

There was a time when I felt completely out of place in a tasting room, hearing people throw around words like “tannins,” “mouthfeel,” and “minerality.” I secretly wondered, What am I missing?

Like many, I assumed tasting wine was just about drinking it. But I soon realized that truly experiencing wine requires more than just a sip—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned!

That curiosity set me on a journey that led me to become a professional winemaker and passionate wine educator. Now, I help wine lovers, from beginners to seasoned sippers, develop confidence in their tasting abilities.

Discover Wine on a Whole New Level

I’m here to guide you through "The 7-S Technique", a simple yet powerful process that will help you hone in your ability to begin tasting wine like the pros in no time! 

 Using the 7-S Technique, you’ll start to experience wine in a deeper way. This method will help you: 

🍷 Pick out and identify aromas and flavors 

🍷 Experience mouthfeel and finish

🍷 Appreciate the subtle nuances that make each wine unique

🍷 Help you identify your unique wine palate

🍷 Build confidence in your tasting skills

Why the "7-S" Technique?

Wine tasting methods come in many forms—4-S, 5-S, even other versions of 7-S—but at their core, they all follow a similar process. The difference? Which "S" steps are emphasized. This can be confusing for beginners, but the fundamentals remain the same.

I prefer this 7-S Technique because it’s an ideal starting point for beginners. It encourages you to slow down and mindfully break down each aspect of the wine, helping you move beyond just tasting to truly understanding what’s in your glass.

Think of it as a roadmap—a structured approach that mirrors the framework professionals use to assess wine. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in identifying aromas, flavors, textures, and even potential faults. Over time, this process becomes effortless—like second nature.

This sequence makes wine tasting simple, enjoyable, and rewarding—just as it should be! It’s also the foundation of my online course, Wine Tasting 101 ~ The Beginner’s Guide to Wine Tasting Mastery. I created this course to take the intimidation out of wine tasting and make the learning process fun, approachable, and stress-free.

But for now, let’s focus on getting you started! My goal is to help you discover the joy of wine, one sip at a time. So, if you’re feeling inspired, pour yourself a glass—and let’s dive in! 🍷

The 7-S Technique

Make sure to grab a tasting sheet or wine journal and take notes of all your tasting experiences. This helps you keep track of what you like and dislike in different  wines so you can soon dial in your unique wine palate.

All in all, this technique provides a solid foundation for tasting wine with confidence, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast looking to refine your skills and enjoy a more mindful tasting practice.

Curious to Learn More? Let’s Take It to the Next Level!

If this technique has sparked your curiosity, why stop here? Join me as we dive deeper into the art and science of wine tasting with my full online course, "Wine Tasting 101 – The Beginner’s Guide to Wine Tasting Mastery."

You’ll learn to taste wine like a pro—right from the comfort of your home! It’s the perfect excuse to gather friends, pour a few glasses, and explore the world of wine together.

👉 [Click Here to Learn More!] 

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear from you!  Tell me, what first got you interested in wine🍷? Just drop a comment below and share your story!

 Cheers to your ongoing wine journey! 🥂