Wine-tasting Etiquette 101
When attending a wine-tasting there are a few “rules†to remember. Be polite to all of the staff and make sure you receive a guide for the day. Review the information before you go to the pouring station. Plan what wines you wish to taste ahead of time.
Wine-tasting
It’s fine to ask questions but don’t monopolize any of the staff. It’s also fine to ask to taste wines not on the official menu. However, making them open too many bottles of wine not featured on the tasting list is unacceptable.
Give the wine expert your attention. Make sure you take an interest in the aroma, color and finally the flavor of each wine. Don’t let people think you’re just there to suck down some free or nearly free wine.
Pay special attention to the wines you specifically wanted to taste. It is not bad manners to not taste any wines on the list in which you have no interest. It is not acceptable to ask for a second taste of every wine it is okay to ask for a second taste of a wine about which you have some uncertainty. While some sources debate about “spitting†it is universally acceptable to leave wine in the glass and or to put that wine into an available receptacle.
Wine-tasting
Rinsing your glass with the provided water is also a good idea. It helps give you a more accurate idea of the wine’s actual taste and is suggested especially when switching from red to white wines and vice-versa. Finally, crackers may be made available to cleanse your pallet. Remember, the edibles and the wines themselves are not meant to be a meal of any sort so don’t overdo it.
(Images courtesy of TravelCostaMesa and iStock/Fox)
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