Visiting wineries and tasting rooms is a great way to explore new wines and discover your own preferences. Whether you're an experienced wine taster or a novice, it's important to know the etiquette when it comes to wine tasting. One of the questions that often arises is whether or not you should leave a tip for the host. Robert Mondavi was one of the first to recognize the potential of giving wine as a gift, understanding that it would lead to more sales.
He also realized that providing an enjoyable experience in a tasting room could be beneficial for his business. If you find yourself in a situation where the host has been particularly helpful or informative, it's customary to leave a tip as a gesture of appreciation. When it comes to tipping, there is no set amount. It's up to you to decide how much you'd like to give. Generally speaking, it's best to leave something that is commensurate with the quality of service you received.
If you had an exceptional experience, you may want to leave a larger tip than if the service was merely satisfactory. It's also important to remember that tipping isn't mandatory. If you don't feel comfortable leaving a tip, don't feel obligated to do so. However, if you do decide to leave a gratuity, it's best to give it directly to the host rather than leaving it on the counter or table. Overall, visiting wineries and tasting rooms can be an enjoyable experience.
If you find yourself in a situation where the host has been especially helpful or informative, consider leaving him or her a tip as a gesture of appreciation. There is no set amount for tipping, so it's up to you to decide how much you'd like to give.