The Four Kinds of Wine Lover

Wine touring is very popular in Italy, and if you visit a winery on the weekend, chances are you will find you are not alone: if the winery's famous, there may be a smattering of cars, some with foreign tags, whereas if it's a small mom-and-pop operation, the cars will be local, and the winemaker may be trading jokes with his customers.

According to the Movimento del Turismo del Vino , there are four types of wine tourist:

• The Professional: 30-45 years old, knows wines and the wine world, can discuss the fine points of the wines with the winemaker, and can competently judge a wine's virtues and faults. Always interested in new things, and willing to devote considerable time and energy to their discovery.
• The Impassioned Neophyte: 25-30 years old, well off, likes wines and sees them as a vehicle through which to cement friendships, enjoy foods, and explore the countryside. Generally travels with friends, some of whom may be Professionals, and always has a wine guide handy. Eager to learn, but less serious about wine than the Professional.
• The Hanger-On: 40-50 years old, wealthy, attracted to wines because knowing something about them is a mark of distinction. Is satisfied with a knowledge of just the basics, and is more easily swayed by the comments of others than those belonging to the previous categories. Is also drawn to famous names, and more easily impressed by appearances. Sometimes asks for a discount.
• The Drinker: 50-65 years old, visits wineries as part of a group on Sundays, treating them as an alternative to a bar, gulps the wine and asks for more, also asks to buy in bulk, sometimes pulling a tank or demijohn from the back of the car.

From Kyle Phillips , www.about.com

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