Wine tasting is a joyous, entertaining and gratifying learning experience. Sharing time with wine enthusiasts and wine lovers, leads to stimulating conversation and newfound friendship. Wine tasters need to be aware of the Italian saying, "In Vino Veritas", or In Wine there is Truth. An afternoon of heavy wine tasting can be as embarrassing as a few uncensored Tequila Shots, so be aware of your surroundings, company and tongue. A few additional etiquette points are:

1. Remember, you are a guest at each winery. The intent is to taste from their wine list, determine if you enjoy the wine and purchase a bottle if you so desire. There is no obligation to buy, and there is no obligation to drink the entire serving. If you do not appreciate the aroma, flavor and finish, simply dump the remainder into the provided buckets and move on to then next offering. If you do not like any of their wine, simply express your appreciation and move on to the next winery or tasting room.
2. Remember, you are a guest at each winery. Always keep it light, mingle and respect the winery rules. Many servers work at the tasting room, because they enjoy wine and wine lovers. They hope you will become one also. If, however, a patron is obnoxious, disrespectful or over-intoxicated, service can be refused.
3. Remember, wine contains alcohol. Many wines are as much as 14%, so it does not take much to begin feeling free and easy. Take your time, eat something in between tasting, and know your limit. With so many excellent wines to taste, skipping a few offerings will not diminish the experience. Share a glass with a friend; drink responsibly.
4. Remember, wine contains alcohol. Minors are not allowed at the bar. Give them a camera and allow them to take memorable pictures of your wine adventure and the surrounding landscape.
5. Remember, you are not alone. Respect those around you. If there is a large group, stand away from the bar and allow a friend to fill the glass and pass it to you. Allow the other patrons access to the bar and the server. If there is seating in the tasting room, take advantage of the opportunity to sit and savoir the experience. A good wine can not be rushed, neither can a good wine tasting experience.
6. Remember, grapevines are grown on a farm. The beautiful vineyards surrounding wineries are part of a farm community, and similar to being a guest at the winery, we are all guests of the vineyard. Farmers and their families live in the rural areas surrounding these vineyards. Drive slow and responsibly.

There are not too many rules to follow while wine tasting. Like being a guest at any gathering, enjoy the company, the surroundings, the host, and most of all, enjoy yourself.