The Culture and Etiquette of Wine Tasting

The culture and etiquette of wine tasting can be a little daunting, especially for those who are new to the world of wine. But if you follow these simple rules, you'll be well on your way to a pleasant experience.

1. Do not drink more than two tastes of any one wine at a single event.

When you go to a winery or tasting event, they will usually give you a menu of different wines for you to try. This is a great way to sample a wide range of wines without having to spend too much money on them.

2. Do not talk too loud during your wine tasting session.

If you're talking too loud, you might be interfering with the other tasters and possibly causing them to lose concentration. You can't control how much you talk, but you can keep your voice low and be polite to other tasters.

3. Do not wear perfume or fragrant lotions while tasting.

Using perfume or other scents can distract other tasters and make it more difficult for them to enjoy their experience.

4. Do not swallow any of the wine you taste during your session.

While it's generally frowned upon to spit out wine in public, spitting while tasting at a winery is completely acceptable and can be a useful way to pace yourself throughout your wine tasting session.

5. Do not wear jewelry while wine tasting.
Jewellery can distract other people and cause them to lose their focus on the wines they're tasting. While you can wear a bracelet or necklace, it is best to avoid wearing anything that could easily become a tangled mess or a distraction for other tasters.

6. Do not wear sandals or other shoes with slippery surfaces in the tasting room or at the winery.

If you are wearing a shoe that is prone to sliding or slipping, be sure to wear a pair of closed-toe shoes instead. This will prevent any spills and ensure that you are not a distraction for other tasters at the tasting.

7. Do not touch the cork or the glass.
The last step of a tasting is to savor the wine. This can be a daunting task at first, but with practice it becomes easier and easier to savor the flavor of each wine.

This is a time to appreciate the depth of the flavors and aromas in the wine. The sommelier is there to help you do this, and should ask you what type of wine you would like to taste before pouring it for you.

8. Do not drink more than two glasses of a wine at a time.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people do not follow this rule at the tasting table. If you are drinking more than two glasses of a wine, it is usually considered to be an abuse of the tasting process and can result in a negative impression of the tasting and the winery.