How to Start a Wine Tasting Journal ~ Part 1

Don't forget to stop by and Like my Facebook Page and Follow me on Twitter!

Have you ever stood in the wine aisle, staring at a wall of beautiful labels, completely overwhelmed, only to grab the exact same bottle you bought last week? Or maybe you splurged on a fantastic glass at a restaurant, promised yourself you'd remember the name, and promptly forgot it by the next morning?

Trust me, I’ve been there!

Walking down that aisle doesn't have to feel like guesswork. Today, I’m launching a brand-new 7-part series all about romanticizing your relationship with wine, slowing down, and discovering your personal palate. And it all starts with one simple habit: keeping a Wine Tasting Journal.

Why a Paper Journal Beats a Phone App

We live so much of our lives behind a screen, but some things are just meant to be analog. While there are plenty of apps out there for tracking wine, sitting down with a physical book forces you to slow down and truly connect with what's in your glass.

Writing by hand engages your senses. It turns a casual evening drink into an intentional ritual. Plus, over time, a handwritten journal transforms into a beautiful keepsake filled with memories of date nights, backyard barbecues, and celebrations with the people you love.

Setting Up Your Tasting Ritual

Starting a journal is easy, but sticking to it comes down to setting yourself up for success. Here are three simple steps to kick off your new hobby:

1. Choose Your Dedicated Spot

Keep your journal somewhere visible so you actually remember to use it. Store it right on your wine rack, on a styled bar cart, or prominently on your living room coffee table. If it’s buried away in a desk drawer, you’ll forget to log your bottles!

2. Grab the Right Tools

You don’t need much to get started—just a great bottle of wine, a quality glass that allows the aromas to breathe, and a smooth-writing pen that won't bleed through the pages.

• My Favorite Tasting Essentials (Commissions Earned):
• Wine Glasses – I cannot recommend these enough! They are an absolute game-changer for casual family get-togethers. It seems like someone always manages to tip over or break a traditional wine stem at our house, but these durable beauties completely take the stress out of party hosting. 
• Double-Hinged Stainless Steel Corkscrew – Opening a bottle shouldn't be a struggle. No matter what brand you ultimately choose, make sure it has a double-hinge design! It gives you the perfect amount of leverage to pull even the most stubborn corks smoothly and effortlessly every single time.
• Fine-Point Archival Pen – Full disclosure: I am a total pen freak. While you can absolutely use any old ballpoint pen lying around the house to fill out your tasting notes, I highly prefer using something smooth that won't bleed through the paper. Trust me, a nice pen makes the whole journaling ritual feel so much more special! 
  
  (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

3. Commit to the "Three-Line Rule"

Don't overcomplicate it! You don't need to write a novel or sound like a professional sommelier. When you open a new bottle, commit to writing just three simple things:

1. What is the wine? (Brand, region, and year)
2. What does it remind you of? (Does it taste bright and fruity? Dark and smoky?)
3. Did you actually like it? (A simple 1-5 star rating)

Inside My Wine Tasting Journal

If you’re looking for the perfect place to store your notes, I am incredibly excited to share the Wine Tasting Journal, available now in my Etsy shop!

I designed this journal specifically to take the intimidation factor out of wine tracking. It features clean, beautiful layouts with easy prompts to guide your tasting journey, making it a gorgeous addition to your own coffee table or an incredibly thoughtful gift for the wine lover in your life.

👉 Click here to check out the Wine Tasting Journal in my Etsy Shop!

What’s Coming Next...

This is just the beginning! Over the next few weeks, we’re going to dive much deeper into how to get the most out of your pages.

Next up in the series: Part 2: What to Write in Wine Tasting Notes (Without Sounding Pretentious!)

Do you currently track the wines you try, or are you ready to start your very first journal? Let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear what bottle you're opening next!

Thanks for stopping by!

Becca

***While I'm thrilled to share my step-by-step directions, the good and the bad, these are intended for your personal use. I'm always happy to hear and see what my bloggers have been working on. BUT a lot of work goes into these creations and while I have no issues sharing so you are able to create the work for your precious homes please understand that selling an exact duplication of my designs is highly frowned upon. :( Please always be considerate of another artists work. Thank you!***