What are Wine Flights?

Wine flights can also be a part of an extended tasting, in which a number of flights are combined to provide an overarching theme. Extended tastings usually take place over two or more hours, and can be made up of three or more flights. Each flight in this case will focus on a specific aspect, such as varietal, vintage, or appellation, and stand alone in its own right. The flights will all work together to create a synthesis, however, highlighting similarities and differences between different aspects. An extended tasting might, for example, consist of a flight of five 2001 Alsatian Rieslings, followed by a flight of five 2002 Alsatian Rieslings, and a flight of five 2003 Alsatian Rieslings, demonstrating the vintage difference in that region and varietal. Or a tasting might consist of a flight of four mixed-vintage and region Rieslings, followed by four mixed Gewurztraminers, followed by four mixed Viogniers, highlighting the similarities and differences between these varietals.

The possibilities with wine flights are virtually endless, and a well-designed flight can be a remarkable opportunity. Many restaurants offer extremely affordable flights, anywhere from $12 US Dollars (USD) to $50 USD, depending on the number of wines offered and the quality of those wines. Wine flights exist at restaurants throughout the country, but if you’re really looking for one the most likely candidates are wine bars, which usually offer a number of different flights and extended tastings at different price points.