I’ve always enjoyed drinking wine casually, especially when traveling and visiting wineries. On a recent trip to Malta — a country with a long history of wine production and a robust local wine industry — I experienced something new: Seeing a wine spittoon in use for the first time at a wine tasting.
The concept of a wine spittoon can leave you a bit puzzled if you don’t understand its purpose and how to use it in a socially acceptable way. This device, which I later learned is called a wine spittoon, is essentially a spit bucket that serves an important purpose at wine tastings. Here’s what to know about this wine-spitting device and how to use one.
What is a wine spittoon?
“A spittoon is basically a vessel for wine you don’t want to swallow. It’s the quiet hero of the tasting room. It’s what lets wine professionals taste numerous wines without ending up horizontal by the end of the tasting. Spittoons are made of ceramic, metal, or, more often than not, plastic. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just practical. Something where you can spit the wine after you’ve swirled, tasted, and thought about it,” shares Michael Pope, Founder and Sommelier at Vine Travel.
When and how to use a wine spittoon
“Spittoons are best used when you’re tasting seriously, which tends to happen at wineries, trade shows, competitions, or perhaps at home, working through a particular lineup. The idea is to let you get various wines on your palate, without destroying your ability to analyse. Once you’ve tasted a wine and it’s covered all sides of your palate, you spit, cleanly. No mess, no drama, and plenty of wine tasted,” says Pope.
In many cases, wine spittoons are used to enjoy the experience of a wine tasting while still staying sharp. Most wineries will have individual spatoons upon request. According to Yannick Girardo, Managing Partner at Seven Apart Winery, wine spoons are also commonly used by those who work in the wine industry, who need to go back to work or host guests later on.” In any case, it’s best to be as cautious as possible and dispose of the wine as tactfully as possible, rather than having other viewers see it all,” says Girardo.
History of the wine spittoon
Today, a wine spitton is primarily used to expel wine after a sip or taste, which is important to help preserve palate clarity and mental focus during a tasting. However, the wine spittoon dates back over 200 years in the U.S, where it was once used for tobacco. According to Pope, the word “spittoon” came from 19th-century saloons. “Back then, they were used for tobacco, not Tempranillo. Eventually, the wine world adopted them, especially once proper tastings became part of the trade in France and beyond in the 20th century,” he shares.
“Wine spittoons have since become a symbol of professionalism. There’s a certain etiquette to it. Spit discreetly, be accurate, don’t spray the table, and don’t judge anyone for using one. Spitting doesn’t mean you don’t love wine; it usually means you love it enough to want to keep tasting more of it,” Pope says.
