Wine tasting has a mystique, an air of haute-culture that can be both inviting and intimidating. Part hospitality, part marketing strategy, wineries pour their prized vintages in hopes you, the potential customer, will buy their wines. The best tasting rooms promote this relationship by providing friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you learn about their wines, and to expand your understanding and appreciation of wine in general. They provide a cross-section of wines for tasting, pour reasonable tastes, and answer questions cheerfully. Most importantly, they treat you with dignity and respect. Remember: they succeed only when you, the wine buyer, are happy.

There are, however, certain responsibilities you have when you visit a tasting room. WineLove! has compiled a brief guide to "winery friendly" tasting etiquette.

Don't smell stronger than the wine. Refrain from using heavy colognes, perfumes and hairsprays, and other personal products. Smoking immediately before or during a tasting will inhibit your ability to taste the wine, and will likely bother those around you, even if the odor is on your clothing.

Also, trying to taste wine with minty gum or candy in your mouth, or after drinking strong coffee or tea, won't work. Rinse thoroughly with water, eat a piece of bread, and don't say "Gee, this wine tastes odd!"

At times, tasting rooms can become quite crowded, especially during the summer or on weekends. After you receive wine in your glass and you've asked your questions, allow others to take your place. This way, everyone has a chance to taste. If you are in a rush, go to the next winery and make a point to visit during less hectic times.

Always remember that you are a guest in their home! The host is often an employee or owner of the winery. They are proud of their wines and want honest feedback, but be kind. You each have unique tastes, and what you find disagreeable may be just what the next person is seeking. If you don't like a wine, quietly empty your glass in the dump bucket. If you do like the wine, let them know.

Wineries won't always have time to focus on you. Many small wineries, and those larger rooms with high tasting traffic are very busy running their winery. They are a business first! Be considerate, and understand it is both time consuming and expensive to provide wine tasting.

Last, but not least, have fun! Wine tasting should be an entertaining and educational outing with a specific goal: find new wines, try them, and buy them. You are the customer, so you should be well treated. But you are also a guest, so use your manners, ask lots of questions, and taste responsibly.
- From www.winelove.org -