Etiquettes to Observe at Wine Tastings

 Florida-based executive Mark Izydore obtained his bachelor's degree in accounting at Duquesne University. He serves as co-manager at CJ Consultants in Jupiter, Florida, a financial and healthcare advisory company. Mark Izydore enjoys attending wine tastings.

A wine tasting is an event where people taste and critically evaluate different wine samples. Wine is largely considered luxurious, so while events of this nature can be a little casual, they tend to have a sophisticated atmosphere. When attending one, you are expected to observe certain unspoken rules, many of which make the experience more enjoyable.

One important wine-tasting rule is to avoid wearing cologne. The subtle aromas of wine form a huge part of the experience, and wearing fragrances can be distracting and spoil this effect. Also, do not drink too much too quickly, especially if you are new to the experience. To enjoy the process, look at the wine, its color, and its appearance, swirl it, smell it to take in the aroma, and then take a gentle sip, savoring the taste.

Also, part of wine-tasting etiquette is to hold a glass by its stem and not the bowl. This is to ensure that the warmth of your hands does not affect the wine temperature and flavor. Your fingers on the bowl can also obscure your view of the wine's appearance, and this position may prevent you from swirling the wine as you should.

It is a good way to restrain your wine intake, especially when visiting other wineries or tasting a lot of wine in a day. You may also take some water in between. You should also be open to asking questions from the host or pourer about the background, techniques, or great pairings to go with the wine. This shows your interest and excitement.