So, you are going to visit one or more wineries, but do you know the proper etiquette about tasting rooms? No, I am not suggesting that one needs to raise one’s pinky up in the air while holding the wine glass. However, I do think that some common courtesy should be followed to enhance the enjoyment of the wine by oneself and by their fellow tasters.

Scent of a Woman (or Man) — As a blind man, Al Pacino relished the fragrance worn by the female lead, but wearing perfume or cologne can ruin the tasting experience as it interferes with one’s ability to smell and taste the wine.

Lipstick on the Collar — Just as lipstick on one’s collar might be a tell-tale sign of an unfaithful spouse, lipstick will leave a mark behind at the tasting room. As lipstick is oil-based, it can kill the mousse (bubbles) of a sparkling wine and is extremely difficult to remove from stemware, despite the high heat used in commercial dishwashers.

Punctuality — If you have made an appointment to visit a winery, it should go without saying, but arrive when you said you would and with the same number of people in your party as you promised.

Spit or Swallow — If you are tasting at several wineries, it is advisable to spit to ensure that you can appreciate the last taste as much as you did the first. Moreover, this will signal to the staff that you are serious about tasting and enjoying and are not there solely to get drunk.

Have fun! If you keep these points in mind, you will not only ingratiate yourself with the tasting room staff, but will enhance your overall experience as your ability to taste the wines is improved.