Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by Lydia Martin
If you’ve ever visited some wine bars or restaurants, you may have heard the term “wine flight” thrown around. So, what is a wine flight exactly?
A wine flight is a term used in the wine world to refer to a selection of wines for tasting—or, simply put, a wine-tasting event. But there’s more to it than that.
We’ll learn everything you need to know about wine flights and how you can organize one.
What Wine Flight Means For Sommeliers
Wine flights, also called tasting flights, are special wine-tasting events for sommeliers, wine business owners, and wine lovers.
Furthermore, wine flights involve comparative tasting of multiple wines selected within a specific theme, which can be based on a region, variety, or style, while educating participants and their taste buds to perceive the subtle hints of each wine.
Why Do They Call It A Flight Of Wine?
The term “flight” of wine has some unique and fascinating versions.
One theory suggests that “flight” was adopted due to its collective meaning of “group of,” which is also the term used to describe a group of birds or stairs—thus, a group of wine.
However, some romantics believe that the term reminds people about travel since wines come from different regions, and tasting them brings the fondest memories about their journey around the world.
How Many Drinks Are Served In This Event?
A wine flight typically serves three or four wines, but sometimes more, depending on the event at which they are served.
Usually, red wines, white wines, or sparkling wines are the options poured into wine glasses, each containing 2 ounces.
For super special wines, it’s commonly an ounce for each glass.
Then, these glasses are situated on a special board with shallow surfaces for serving and are sometimes accompanied by tasting notes, neutral palate cleansers, and sometimes some educational component.
Does It Include All Types Of Wine?
A wine flight may include all types of wine, but it largely depends on the event at which it is held.
With so many wines available on the market, wine flights also commonly involve wines made of one wine grape or the same wine type from different countries, regions, and wineries.
This way, you can experience the subtle differences between, for instance, Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Wine Flight vs Wine Tasting
Wine flight and wine tasting are similar in how they involve sampling different wines and educating wine enthusiasts.
“Beer is made by men, wine by God!”
— Martin Luther, German Priest, Theologian, Author, Hymnwriter, Professor, and Augustinian Friar
However, wine flights are often more casual and are focused solely on the tasting experience, in which the different types of wines are served in small portions to experience in one sitting.
On the other hand, wine tastings are typically more about wine education to a greater degree, discussing the wines’ characteristics and winemaking methods.
How Do You Drink A Wine Flight?
Start with a light drink, like American sparkling wine or white wine, and work your way up to help you appreciate the wine’s characteristics and prevent your palate from becoming overwhelmed.
When you sip, let the wine sit on your tongue for a few seconds to thoroughly experience the flavors and note its best characteristics.
You can spit it into the spittoon if the taste is not to your liking.
Between each sip, cleanse your palate with water or a neutral palate cleanser like crackers or bread to help you taste each wine more accurately.
How Do You Organize It?
First, choose a theme based on a specific region, variety, or style.
Select the wines that fit your chosen theme, ranging from light to full-bodied, dry to sweet, and at different price points.
Tip: Featuring regional wines often makes a great wine flight since it allows guests to taste different kinds of wines from a particular region.
Arrange the wines from ones with a lighter body to full body, and dry to sweet, and serve small pours or 2 ounces of wine in each glass while providing tasting sheets of each wine variety.
Serve water, neutral palate cleansers, or food pairings that complement the wines in your flight.
Finally, ask your guests about their overall impression of each wine, including aromas, flavors, and more, while providing some background information.
Wine Flight Ideas To Try
Oaked vs Unoaked Wines
Comparing oaked and unoaked wines, particularly Chardonnays, will help you learn the impact of oak aging and how it gives distinct buttery and vanilla flavors [1].
Source from the same region, but if they’re from the same winery.
- Oaked Chardonnay: Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay Reserve
- Unoaked Chardonnay: Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay
Cold vs Warm Climate Riesling
Comparing cold and warm climate Riesling will provide insights into the impact of climate [2] on the Riesling grape.
Source Riesling wines from different wine regions.
- Cold Climate Riesling: Germany Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett, New York Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling
- Warm Climate Riesling: Australia Grosset Polish Hill Riesling, France Trimbach Riesling Reserve
Bordeaux Blend Comparison
Comparing Bordeaux blends allows you to discover the nuances of different
Bordeaux blends and the impact of vintage variation, winemaking techniques, and terroir on the final product.
Source Port wines from France and Argentine for better comparison.
- France Bordeaux Blend: Chateau Margaux Pavillion Rouge, Chateau Latour
- Argentina Bordeaux Blend: Catena Zapata Nicolas, Bodega Norton Privada Cabernet Sauvignon
Young vs Aged Port
Comparing young wines and aged wines, particularly Port, is a great way to discover how the aging process evolves the flavor and aroma of an aged wine.
Source young wines and aged wines from the same winery.
- Young Port: Fonseca Bin 27 Reserve Ruby Port, Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port
- Aged Port: Fonseca 20-Year-Old Tawny Port, Taylor Fladgate 40-Year-Old Tawny Port
Shiraz vs Syrah
Comparing Shiraz and Syrah is an excellent way to explore how wines from the same grape can taste entirely different due to winemaking methods and harvest times.
- Shiraz: Penfolds Grange Shiraz, Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz
- Syrah:Chapoutier Hermitage Syrah, Cote-Rotie Ampodium Syrah
Tip: If you want to make your wine flight have a more interesting debate, you can include New World Wines and Old World Wines. New World Wines include King Estate, and Seven Hills Pinot Gris, while Old World Wines include Jermann Pinot Grigio and Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do they call it a flight of wine?
The term “flight” in the context of wine originated from the idea of wines “flying” from one place to another, often in a sequence. It typically refers to a curated selection of multiple wine samples or servings, usually presented together for comparative tasting.
The flight allows patrons to explore different varieties, regions, or styles of wine in a structured and organized manner, often with the guidance of a sommelier or tasting notes.
The progression of wines in a flight is often intentional, designed to showcase a theme, highlight differences, or tell a story about the wines being tasted.
What is the difference between a wine flight and a wine tasting?
While both wine flights and wine tastings involve sampling multiple wines, there are differences in their presentation, purpose, and format. A wine flight typically refers to a curated selection of wines presented together for comparative tasting, often arranged in a specific order to highlight differences or showcase a particular theme.
Wine flights are commonly offered in restaurants, wine bars, or tasting rooms and may include a predetermined set of wines or allow for customization based on customer preferences.
On the other hand, a wine tasting is a more general term that can refer to various tasting experiences, including individual samples, guided tastings, or formal tastings led by experts.
Wine tastings can take place in a variety of settings, such as wineries, wine shops, events, or private gatherings, and may involve sampling wines from a specific producer, region, or varietal.
Unlike a wine flight, which typically involves tasting multiple wines in a structured sequence, a wine tasting may offer more flexibility in terms of the number and variety of wines sampled and the format of the tasting experience.
What is a flight in alcohol?
In the context of alcohol, a flight refers to a selection of multiple alcoholic beverages, such as spirits, beers, or cocktails, presented together for comparative tasting. Similar to a wine flight, a flight of alcohol allows patrons to sample and compare different varieties, brands, or styles of drinks in a structured and organized manner.
Flights are often offered in bars, distilleries, breweries, or tasting rooms and may include a predetermined set of drinks or allow for customization based on customer preferences.
The presentation of a flight typically includes small servings of each beverage arranged in a specific order, allowing patrons to taste and compare the flavors, aromas, and characteristics of the drinks side by side.
Flight offerings may vary depending on the establishment and can range from themed flights highlighting a specific category or region to customized flights tailored to individual preferences.
How much wine do you get in a flight?
The amount of wine served in a flight can vary depending on the establishment and the specific flight offering. Typically, a wine flight consists of smaller tasting portions of each wine, allowing patrons to sample multiple varieties or vintages without consuming full glasses of each.
The size of each tasting pour can range from 1 to 3 ounces per wine, with most flights including between three to six different wines.
This portion size allows for a sufficient taste of each wine to evaluate its characteristics, flavors, and aromas while maintaining moderation and allowing patrons to explore a variety of options within a single tasting experience.
How do you taste a wine flight?
Tasting a wine flight involves a systematic approach to evaluating each wine’s appearance, aroma, flavor, and overall characteristics. Here’s a general guide on how to taste a wine flight:
Visual Examination: Start by observing the wine’s color, clarity, and viscosity. Hold the glass against a white background and tilt it slightly to examine the hue and intensity of the wine.
Aromatics: Swirl the wine gently in the glass to release its aromas, then take a few quick sniffs to identify the primary and secondary aromas. Note any fruit, floral, spice, or oak notes present in the wine’s bouquet.
Taste: Take a small sip of the wine and allow it to coat your palate. Notice the wine’s acidity, sweetness, tannins (for red wines), and alcohol content. Pay attention to the wine’s flavor profile, including fruit, earthy, herbal, or mineral notes.
Finish: Evaluate the wine’s finish, or aftertaste, noting its length and any lingering flavors or sensations on the palate.
Comparison: Compare each wine in the flight, noting differences and similarities in their characteristics, flavors, and overall impressions. Consider how the wines interact with each other and how they complement or contrast with one another.
By following this structured tasting process, you can fully appreciate and evaluate each wine in the flight, gaining insight into its unique qualities and characteristics.
How much alcohol is in a wine flight?
The total alcohol content in a wine flight depends on several factors, including the number of wines sampled, the size of each tasting pour, and the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the wines included in the flight.
Since wine flights typically consist of smaller tasting portions, the total alcohol consumed in a single flight is generally less than that of a full glass of wine.
As a reference, the average ABV of wine typically ranges from 9% to 16%, with fortified wines like Port or Sherry having higher ABV levels. Therefore, the total alcohol content in a wine flight will vary depending on the ABV of the wines included and the total volume consumed across all samples.
It’s important to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation, especially when participating in multiple tastings or flights. Many establishments that offer wine flights prioritize responsible serving practices and may offer spittoons or encourage patrons to pace themselves to ensure a safe and enjoyable tasting experience.
How do you drink a wine flight?
Drinking a wine flight involves a deliberate and systematic approach to tasting each wine included in the flight. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enjoy a wine flight:
Begin with Observation: Start by visually examining each wine in the flight. Note the color, clarity, and viscosity of the wine by holding the glass against a white background and tilting it slightly.
Swirl and Sniff: Gently swirl the wine in the glass to release its aromas, then take a few quick sniffs to identify the wine’s bouquet. Note any fruit, floral, spice, or oak notes present in the aroma.
Sip and Taste: Take a small sip of the wine and allow it to coat your palate. Notice the wine’s acidity, sweetness, tannins (for red wines), and alcohol content. Pay attention to the wine’s flavor profile, including fruit, earthy, herbal, or mineral notes.
Evaluate Finish: Evaluate the wine’s finish, or aftertaste, noting its length and any lingering flavors or sensations on the palate.
Compare and Contrast: Compare each wine in the flight, noting differences and similarities in their characteristics, flavors, and overall impressions. Consider how the wines interact with each other and how they complement or contrast with one another.
Stay Hydrated: Throughout the tasting, drink water between sips to cleanse your palate and stay hydrated. This will help you maintain clarity of taste and prevent palate fatigue.
By following this structured approach to tasting, you can fully appreciate and enjoy the diverse range of wines included in the flight.
How many glasses is a flight?
The number of glasses in a wine flight can vary depending on the establishment and the specific flight offering. Typically, a wine flight consists of smaller tasting portions of each wine, served in individual glasses or vessels.
The size and number of glasses in a flight often correlate with the number of wines included in the flight and the establishment’s tasting format.
Commonly, a wine flight may include three to six different wines, with each wine served in its respective glass.
This portion size allows patrons to sample multiple varieties or vintages without consuming full glasses of each, facilitating a comparative tasting experience.
How many wines are in a tasting flight?
The number of wines included in a tasting flight can vary depending on the establishment, the theme of the flight, and customer preferences. Tasting flights typically feature a selection of multiple wines presented together for comparative tasting, allowing patrons to explore different varieties, regions, or styles in a single tasting experience.
Tasting flights commonly include three to six different wines, although some establishments may offer flights with more or fewer selections.
The number of wines in a flight often depends on factors such as the size of the tasting portions, the complexity of the wines, and the desired duration of the tasting experience.
A flight with a smaller number of wines may offer a more focused tasting experience, allowing patrons to delve deeper into the characteristics of each wine, while a flight with a larger number of wines may provide a broader overview of a particular theme or selection of wines.
Ultimately, the number of wines in a tasting flight is determined by the establishment’s offerings and the preferences of the patrons.
So, What Is A Wine Flight?
A wine flight is a fun and educational experience for wine lovers of all levels, understanding the similarities and differences between them and developing your preferences and palate simultaneously.
If you plan to organize one, refer to the wine flight ideas we’ve provided above. You just have to make sure that your selected wines are all related in any way.
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