Cellar Door Etiquette

12 tips from cellar door manager Steve Todman from Olive Farm Wines, Swan Valley.

1. It’s not a bar. Customers are here to sample wine. Some people treat it as a bar and expect to drink for free. We charge a tasting fee which is waived upon purchase.
2. Listen to staff… when we explain the wine and go through a lot of technical details. We don’t expect everyone to know as much as others.
3. Don’t try the same wine excessively. Some people try a wine and expect a refill two or three times.
4. Don’t overstay your welcome. I’ve had people hang around for three and a half hours – 45 minutes to an hour is fine.
5. Be considerate of others. Everyone here is here to have a good time and try the wine. It’s not a social event.
6. Don’t bring your own alcohol or glassware. You know people have been having a good time when you go to the bathroom to clean it and find bottles from other wineries snuck in.
7. Ask questions. Winemakers spend a lot of time producing the wines and put a lot of heart and soul into it. We love to talk about it.
8. You don’t have to make a purchase. We’re here to sample – if you like something make a purchase but there’s no pressure.
9. Make sure you’re well fed. Eat throughout the day or book in to a restaurant. It’s very important that you have a meal before tastings.
10. Kids rule. We have a play area but not all do. Check whether a cellar door is family friendly before you arrive.
11. Drink water. All cellar doors supply it.
12. Assign a designated driver. If not, find other modes of transport such as a taxi or Uber.
     

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