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- AWS Wine Evaluation Form
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The American Wine Society uses the 20 point evaluation scale. It assigns a certain number of points to each of five categories: Appearance, Aroma and Bouquet, Taste and Texture, Aftertaste, and Overall Impression. Wines are rated in each category and the total dictates the rating of the wine.
- AWS Tasting Guide
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This guide gives detailed information about each of the AWS Wine Evaluation Form categories.
- June 14 th 2014 Wine Evaluation Presentation
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This presentation describes why we evaluate wine, gives some tips and factors to consider when evaluating wine, provides an overview of each of the categories of the AWS Wine Evaluation Form, and explains the difference between faults and flaws.
- Factors in Wine Evaluation
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Factors Considered in Wine Evaluation by Alexis Hartung printed in the Winter Issue, 1999 AWS Journal Volume 31, No. 4. A valuable resource when trying to identify components of wine for evaluation using the AWS evaluation form.
- Wine Aroma Wheel
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Start in the middle and select the sector that best describes your wine impression. Progressively move along that sector following descriptors that reflect your tasting impression. It’s possible to select more than sector if you have multiple impressions.
- Wine Basics – A Beginner’s Guide to Drinking Wine
- This page contains many useful resources that will round out your wine knowledge.
- Beginner’s Guide to Wine
Wine evaluation is a thoughtful practice that invites enthusiasts to slow down and truly notice what is in the glass. By looking, swirling, sniffing, and sipping with attention, tasters begin to translate sensations into words. The process transforms a simple drink into a layered experience, revealing how color, aroma, and flavor combine to tell the story of a wine. For members of a wine appreciation community, learning this disciplined approach builds confidence and deepens enjoyment at every gathering, from casual tastings to structured educational sessions alongside fellow enthusiasts of all experience levels.
A well-designed evaluation form helps tasters organize their impressions in a consistent way. Instead of relying on a vague sense of like or dislike, participants move through clear categories, awarding points for each attribute and then summing them into an overall rating. This structured method keeps personal bias in check and makes it easier to compare different bottles during the same evening. Over time, repeated use of the same form sharpens the palate, encourages precise vocabulary, and turns each tasting into a small learning exercise that benefits both newcomers and seasoned participants in the chapter.
Appearance is often the first clue a wine offers about its character. Clarity, intensity of color, and viscosity can hint at grape variety, age, and winemaking choices. Holding the glass against a neutral background and tilting it slightly allows the observer to see variations in hue and density. Although visual cues alone cannot tell the whole story, they set expectations and prepare the taster for the aromas to follow. Practicing this step regularly trains the eye to notice subtle differences that might otherwise be missed during a busy social tasting with friends.
Aroma and bouquet form the emotional bridge between the glass and the drinker. Swirling releases volatile compounds, and a brief pause before sniffing allows the wine to open up. Tasters may identify fruit, floral, herbal, or earthy notes, and with practice they begin to recognize the signatures of particular regions or production methods. Aroma evaluation is a chance to slow the pace of the evening, to share observations with neighbors, and to build a shared vocabulary that makes future tastings richer and more rewarding for everyone around the table.
Taste, texture, and aftertaste bring the evaluation full circle. The initial impression on the palate, the weight and structure of the wine, and the length of the finish all contribute to the overall impression recorded on the scorecard. Discussing these elements as a group often sparks lively conversation and helps members articulate preferences they might otherwise keep private. Combined with the broader goals of wine education and appreciation, this methodical approach encourages curiosity, respect for winemaking traditions, and a lasting sense of connection among those who love exploring the world of wine together.