02/26/08 Wine Tasting In Public

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and last week was a big wine tasting weekend here in Washington wine country. It was red wine and chocolate weekend. I had two very disturbing stories related to me about experiences friends had while out visiting wineries. So today I thought I would review some helpful hints about proper wine tasting etiquette. As I have said in the past, going wine tasting may seem simple, and it is easy, and you should have fun. But just like golf or tennis or any other sport there are some rules of etiquette. First of all, never wear perfume or aftershave! No fragrance at all. People are trying to smell the wine and very few things interfere with that more than cologne. Remember your ability to perceive taste relies on your sense of smell. Next  keep in mind it does not take more than an ounce to an ounce and a half to get a good taste. Please do not park yourself in front of the table or tasting bar. When your taste has been poured, step away, take your time examining, smelling and tasting the wine. If you elect to spit the taste out, then step back up to the bar and carefully spit into the bucket provided. Make sure that you aren't spitting or dumping into the water pitcher. Feel free to ask questions. If you're tasting seriously then make a few notes for future reference. If you like, have a drink of room temperature water after each taste. I don't rinse my glass, I just empty it as completely as possible. And finally be aware of your consumption and always have a designated driver. And thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.