1/14/08 Public Wine Tasting

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. If you have taken my advice and have resolved to venture out to visit wineries or attend consumer wine tasting events; then today I want to offer some helpful hints concerning wine tasting etiquette. Going to a wine tasting, it 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 what I always tell you 70  80 percent of your ability to perceive a wines flavor comes from your sense of smell. So keep it clean. Also  keep in mind it doesn't take more than an ounce to an ounce and a half to get a good taste. If there are several others in the tasting room don't park yourself in front of the tasting bar. When your taste has been poured, step away, let others move up to get their wine. Take your time examining, smelling and tasting the wine. If you elect to spit the taste out, which is another topic for another day, then step back up to the bar and carefully spit into the spittoon 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. 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. And thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.