winetasting
B2Semi-formal to formal. Common in lifestyle, tourism, and culinary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The social event or activity of sampling and evaluating different wines.
A formal or informal event where multiple wines are sampled, compared, and discussed, often for educational, social, or commercial purposes. Also refers to the practice or skill of evaluating wine by aroma, taste, and appearance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically refers to an organized event rather than the casual act of drinking wine. The hyphenated form 'wine-tasting' is equally common and correct; the compound 'winetasting' reflects a trend in modern English towards solid compounds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The hyphenated form 'wine-tasting' is slightly more prevalent in British English, while the closed compound 'winetasting' is increasingly accepted in both varieties.
Connotations
Both associate the term with sophistication, connoisseurship, and leisure. In the US, it is strongly linked to the Napa Valley/Sonoma culture; in the UK, to vineyard tours and specialist shops.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects, given the global nature of wine culture.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N at a winetastingN for a winetastingV + winetasting (e.g., organise, enjoy)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a drinking party, it's a winetasting. (humorously justifying wine consumption)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in hospitality, tourism marketing, and as a corporate networking event.
Academic
Found in courses on gastronomy, hospitality management, or viticulture.
Everyday
Used when discussing weekend plans, hobbies, or social events.
Technical
Used in the wine industry to describe a structured sensory analysis session.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They spent the afternoon wine-tasting in the Cotswolds.
- We're going to be wine-tasting all weekend.
American English
- We went winetasting in Sonoma Valley.
- The couple enjoys winetasting on their travels.
adjective
British English
- She bought a special wine-tasting glass.
- The wine-tasting notes were very detailed.
American English
- He has a great winetasting journal.
- The winetasting event required tickets.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We went to a winetasting. It was fun.
- The winetasting had three red wines.
- Our hotel offered a free winetasting for guests.
- At the winetasting, I learned I prefer white wine.
- The guided winetasting explained the differences between Old World and New World wines.
- They organised a corporate winetasting as a team-building exercise.
- His nuanced palate, honed from years of winetasting, could identify the vineyard and vintage with surprising accuracy.
- The sommelier structured the winetasting to illustrate the impact of terroir on Pinot Noir.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TASTING different WINES at a table. The word simply joins them together.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS TASTING (acquiring knowledge through sensory experience); SOCIALISING IS SAMPLING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'винодегустация' in informal English contexts; 'winetasting' is sufficient. Do not confuse with 'wine making' (виноделие).
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'wine tasting' (two words) is often acceptable, but the compound/hyphenated form is standard for the noun. Using it as a verb ('We winetasted' is non-standard; prefer 'We attended a winetasting' or 'We tasted wines').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'winetasting' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All three forms are used. 'Wine-tasting' (with a hyphen) is very common, especially in British English. 'Winetasting' as a single word is a standard closed compound. 'Wine tasting' as two words is also frequently seen. For consistency in formal writing, check your style guide; the hyphenated or closed form is often preferred for the noun.
Informally, you might hear 'We're going winetasting,' where it functions as a verb in a phrasal context. However, the standard verb is simply 'to taste wine.' It is more accurately described as a noun used in a compound verb phrase.
A winetasting implies a structured activity focused on evaluation, comparison, and learning. It involves multiple wines, often in smaller quantities, with attention to characteristics like aroma, flavour, and finish. Simply drinking wine is consumption without the formal evaluative component.
No. Many winetastings are designed for enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experts. They are social and educational events where you can learn as you participate.