Wine Tasting Party

Q. I've been invited to a wine tasting party. What is the proper protocol?

Do I sample little bits of everything? Do I really spit the wine out? Do I keep my same glass and go from bottle to bottle?

How does this work? Thanks, I don't want to look stupid.

A. Fabulous, for you. As it is a tasting party, you should have little tastes (1 oz or less) of all.

A polite way to spit is have a cup that is not clear and hold it up to your mouth. (Please be responsible and make sure you eat something of sustenance during the event.)

Hopefully the host/hostess of the party is wine savvy enough to arrange the wines in a tasting order. If not, try the whites first, then the lighter style reds, then the heavier reds and then dessert wines.

Take something to write on and write with, as you may find some favorites (or not a favorite) so you want to make sure you write down the winery and the varietal.

I can't tell you how many times people call or email me saying "I tried this wine I think it was from Italy, it was white, the bottle was green, the label had red and I really liked it, can you help me find it?" The more information you have the better you will be to go find it later.

A few more tasting hints - DO NOT wear a light (white or cream) colored shirt, and do not wear aftershave/perfume. You want to be able to enjoy the aromas of the wines.

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