Do’s and Don’ts

Leave the Clutch Bag at Home

You want to be hands-free in order to hold your wine glass and a hunk of brie on French bread at the same time. So women should opt for a shoulder bag.

Skip the Cologne and Perfume

No one wants a noseful of English Leather or Chanel No. 5 when sniffing that cabernet. Best to go au naturel. If you end up seducing someone, you can always dab on a little once you get home.

Hold On to Your Glass

At most tastings, you get only one, so don’t let it out of your sight. Otherwise you might end up grabbing someone else’s glass ... eeewww!

Talk the Talk

By all means, if you know the lingo, use it. But don’t abuse it. No one wants to hear your malolactic fermentation speech. Conversely, if you’re an absolute beginner, don’t pretend you’re Robert Parker.

Ask Stupid Questions

If not now, when?

Swirl ‘n’ Sniff

All that swirling and sniffing isn’t just for show. A wine’s nose can be very revealing. And swirling brings the nose front and forward. Place your glass on an even surface. Put the pads of your index and middle fingers firmly on the base. Then move your fingers in small, smooth circles on the table. Hey, Ma. You’re swirling. Now stop, put your nose in the glass, and take a big sniff.

Write It Down

Unless you’re one of those freaky photographic-memory types, chances are you aren’t going to remember everything you wanted to, like the name and vintage of that wine you liked so much. It doesn’t take long to jot a few notes. Plus, it gives you an intellectual air.

Have a Nosh

That doesn’t mean inhale the cheese plate. Remember, this isn’t dinner. It’s a tasting. But it is a good idea to eat a little something to counter the effects of the alcohol.