| > | | | | palate and absorb the alcohol. |
| | | | 6. Don't just stick with the big-name wineries. |
| 1. Try something new and you might be surprised. | | | | Check out some of the smaller ones in the area. |
| Let the staff make suggestions. Compare the | | | | 7. The nose, knows. Try not to use too much |
| wines aged in steel to those aged in oak. | | | | perfume or aftershave. The aroma of the wine is |
| 2. Take Notes especially if you are gone all day. | | | | half the fun of tasting. |
| Most wineries offer a list that will assist you on | | | | 8. Call ahead for large parties. If you call ahead |
| keeping track. When you get home to your local | | | | some wineries will even arrange cheese and fruit |
| wine shop, you will appreciate having a cheat | | | | trays. |
| sheet. | | | | 9. Be patient. If you prefer to visit during the |
| 3. Visit during off season. November through May | | | | peak seasons, you will have a great time tasting, |
| is an excellent time. You might be only one of the | | | | but it may take a minute or two for the staff to |
| few guests all day, so the staff can give you | | | | serve you. |
| some extra time. | | | | 10. To test for a really good wine, swirl it around |
| 4. Ask Questions. Winery staff love to be | | | | the glass. Legs or tears are what is left trickling |
| engaged and help educate. They are trained to | | | | down the glass after swirling. The stickier and |
| know a lot about the wines you taste. | | | | longer the legs the better the quality. |
| 5. Eat the crackers. They help you clean your | | | | |