don’t judge wine on the first sip

The Second sip is where the truth really shows up.

Welcome back to The Premier Pour.

Let me say this early…
wine is not as complicated as people make it out to be.

Somewhere along the way, wine picked up a reputation.
Too many rules. Too many words. Too much pressure to “get it right.”

Swirl this. Smell that.
Look for notes of blackberry, cedar, wet stone…

But here’s what I’ve learnt — from my experince sitting around tables back home in Europe:

Your palate already knows more than you think.

I remember those early days in France.

After a game, long tables, bottles moving around like bread.
No one was trying to impress. No one overthinking it.

You’d take a sip…
look at your mate…
and just nod.

That was enough.

But I’ll be honest with you…

There were moments early on where I held back.
I wasn’t sure if what I was tasting was “right.”

So instead of saying what I really felt…
I stayed quiet.

And I know I’m not the only one.

Don’t Be Shy With Your Palate

If you don’t like a wine… that’s okay.
If it’s too sharp, too heavy, too dry… say it.

Because being honest about what you feel
is what actually moves you forward.

It helps you understand your taste.
It helps you find your style.

And most importantly… it makes wine more enjoyable.

The 1–2 Sip Rule

Here’s something simple I want you to carry with you.

Sip One — The Reset

Your first sip isn’t the judgement.
It’s your palate waking up.

It cleanses, it adjusts, it settles in.
So don’t rush to decide straight away.

Sip Two — The Truth

This is the one that matters.

Now your palate is ready.
Now the wine shows itself properly.

So ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy this?
• Does it feel right?
• Would I go back for another sip?

That second sip will always tell you the truth.

Wine can feel like a 900kg scrum sometimes.
Big. Intimidating. Easy to overthink.

But once you step in…
you realise it’s not about perfection — it’s about feel.

And your palate?
It’s already been training your whole life.

So next time you pour a glass…

Take your time.

Sip once… let it settle.
Sip twice… and listen.

And don’t be shy about your answer.

Final Pour

Wine will always have its language, its scores, its structure.

But don’t let that take away the simple joy of it.

Because at its best, wine is about connection —
to people, to place, to a moment.

And sometimes…
all it takes is two honest sips.

The Wine Chief