03/16/05 Wine tasting etiquette

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and it is spring again and that means that lots of wineries are open to the public for special wine tasting events.If you are venturing out to visit wineries or attending consumer wine tastings; I want to offer some helpful hints about proper wine tasting etiquette. Going to a wine tasting, it may seem simple and you should have fun. But just like anything else 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. And like I always tell you 70  80 percent of your ability to perceive taste comes from your sense of smell. Next  keep in mind it doesn't take more than an ounce to an ounce and a half to get a good taste. Do not park yourself in front of the table or tasting bar. When your taste has been poured, step away and allow others to get some wine. Take your time examining, smelling and tasting the wine. If you elect to spit out the taste, which is another topic for another day, then step back up to the bar and carefully spit into the vessel that is provided. Make sure that you aren't spitting or dumping into the water pitcher. I can't tell you how many times I've seen that done. Feel free to ask questions. If you're tasting seriously then make a few notes for future reference. I don't rinse my glass, I just empty it as completely as possible, the water left seems to dilute the next wine. And finally be aware of your consumption and preferably have a designated driver. Have fun and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.