Don’t wear perfume or cologne as this may interfere with your ability to smell and taste the wines.

Before taking a sip, put your nose inside the glass and take a deep breath and notice the aromas.

When tasting, swirl the wine in your glass and look at its color.

As you take a sip of wine, notice how it feels and tastes in your mouth at first and then swish it around on your tongue before swallowing. Your opinion of the taste may change, so do not rush to swallow.  Always take another taste, the first might be affected by your previous wine or food.

You do not have to drink each entire taste of wine. If you’re tasting five or six wines at four different wineries for the day, it will all add up. Take a couple of sips and pour the rest out into the spittoon. Typically, wineries serve one-ounce pours. As a reference point, there are four to six ounces of wine in a typical glass.

If you do not like a certain wine, do not make negative comments about it. Simply state that it is not your favorite, and taste another one.

If you don’t know the difference between wine varieties, don’t be afraid to ask.

Eat crackers, bread and cheese between tastings to cleanse your palate.

If you have questions or don’t understand the terminology, winemakers and tasting room staff 
are happy to explain.