When deciding what to wear, consider the winery’s grounds. It may have paved walkways, grassy picnic areas, or uneven terrain. It’s probably a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, and avoid heels, during the Vineyard Tour portion of the day.

And, though there’s bound to be beautiful weather, you’ll want to avoid pastels and white clothing. Spills do happen, and you don’t want to walk around looking like you just guest-starred in a horror movie!

Wine tasting is a full-on sensory bonanza – you’ll use sight, taste, and (perhaps most importantly) your sense of smell.

So, here’s a handy tip: Avoid dousing yourself in heavy perfumes, colognes, or fragrant body lotions before hitting up a tasting room.

While you might assume it won’t ruin your experience, think about the poor soul next to you who’s stuck gasping in your overpowering scent instead of appreciating their wine’s delicate aromas.

Wine tasting is unquestionably enjoyable, but for those seeking to truly appreciate the full range of a wine’s aromas, mastering the swirl is key.

The simple act of swirling (gently rotating your glass) aerates the wine, allowing its fragrances to blossom.

If you’re new to swirling, don’t worry! Begin by placing your wine glass on a flat surface and lightly swirling while holding the stem.

It’s important to note that there’s no hard and fast rule dictating that you must swirl, but it’s certainly worth trying. Who knows, you may discover an entirely new dimension to your sensory experience.

When tasting wine, it’s best to hold glasses by the stem. If you hold the glass by its bowl, the warmth of your hand can disturb the wine’s temperature and actually affect its taste.

Also, greasy fingerprints might obscure the look of the wine, and observing the wine is an important part of the exciting sensory experience that is a wine tasting.

Speaking of a sensory experience, use these tips to discover the subtleties that make wine one of the most complex and fascinating beverages:

• Note the color. It’s more than just red or white. It could be purple or pink or a rich ruby color… The options are endless!
• Take a quick sniff to form your first impression of the wine.
• Give it a swirl, and take another sniff. Allow the aroma to unfold and reveal more of its secrets.
• Sip and savor the wine. Let it roll around your mouth, noticing the texture as well as the flavor.

Exhale. Breathing out can help you assess how long the taste lasts. Does it have a short finish, or does it linger?

One of the biggest mistakes people make at wine tastings is attempting to chug every single wine placed in front of them.

If you don’t watch out, many small pours can add up quickly. While it’s important to have a good time, you probably don’t want to be wasted at an elegant public event.

Spitting in public is usually frowned upon. But, at a wine tasting, it can actually be an essential part of the experience. It allows you to taste multiple wines without getting drunk, and also helps you better appreciate the nuances of each glass.

Are you wondering how to spit at a wine tasting? It’s simple! All you have to do is grab a spit bucket (or “spittoon”), purse your lips, and let it fly!

Don’t worry about having to do it a certain way – everyone has their own technique. Just spit it out in the way that you feel most comfortable. Just try not to dribble!