How Trade Tastings Work

With some hints and jabs to keep things moving smoothly.

Trade tastings are ubiquitous in the wine industry. They’re organized by wholesale distributors on the local level, or, more nationally and internationally, by marketing groups, regional representatives or countrywide agencies. They tend to be aimed at writers, retailers and restaurant people — hence, “trade” tastings — but often include a public component, especially if a charitable element is involved. That is, for example, the event will be open exclusively to the trade in the afternoon and then to the public or paying consumers at night. For the trade, such an event is an opportunity to encounter the latest releases from wineries, estates and importers.