If you are new to wine tasting here are a few etiquette tips to get you on your way.

Tasting Fee
Depending on the vineyard, there may be a small charge to taste the wines.

You are under no obligation to buy, so this ‘tasting fee' is a
charge many vineyards have adopted in order to recoup somewhat on
tastings that don't transform into sales.

Paying a few dollars to taste the line up of wines does not mean
it's a free-for all though, so remember you are paying for a taste, not
glasses and glasses.

The same goes for if you want a second taste of something - if you
ask for one, you better be pretty serious about buying some of it.

If you taste and do decide to buy something you won't be charged a
tasting fee, or if you have already paid up front, this will be
discounted from your purchase.

Trying the lineup
Each tasting room will have a host (sometimes the winemaker) who will take you through the various wines on offer.

Wait for them to pour you a taste rather than helping yourself as
they will be able to tell you about the wine and answer any questions
you may have making for a more informative and ultimately - rewarding
tasting session.

Bear in mind holiday periods and weekends can be busy times for
tasting rooms, so it pays to be relaxed and patient if you do turn up
during a busy time.

Order of tasting
Wines are generally tasted whites first through to more full-bodied reds and finally the dessert wines.

Beginning with the slightly lighter white wine styles before moving
onto the more robust  flavours and tannins in red wine means the
different flavours interfere with each other on the palate much less.

If you don't want to try a particular wine or wines that is fine -
however, depending on the size of the group you are in you may have to
wait till your party catches up to try the wines you are interested in.

Water is usually provided to rinse your glass and clear the palate
and it's a good idea especially to rinse your glass out between the
white and red wines.

How to taste
Swirl - the wine around in your glass - this helps to get the aromas circulating

Sniff - to get the initial impression of the wine

Sip - and slurp it in your mouth a little. Slurping
the wine allows air into the mouth to help the tasting process (after a
bit of practice you can do the slurping bit quietly enough so as not to
draw attention to yourself).

Keep it in your mouth for a few seconds to allow your taste buds to grab the flavour.

It's up to you whether you swallow or spit - but you don't need to swallow the wine in order to get the full flavour.

The Spittoon - to spit or swallow?
You don't
have to swallow every wine you taste - in fact depending on how long
you want your day to last it's probably best you don't!

Each tasting room has a vessel referred to as the ‘spittoon' for such purposes.

Don't crowd the bar
Nothing is more frustrating than having to squeeze through a throng of people to get to the wine.

Once your taste has been poured, step back so other groups can be
served by the host and return when you are ready for your next taste.

Having an opinion
Before you start to regale the
room with the depth of your wine knowledge hold back until everyone has
had time to try the wine and have a bit of a think about it.

There's no right or wrong answer, so even if you are new to tasting
have a go at talking with others about what flavours you can taste - it
will make the process more enjoyable and you'll come out of the
experience with a little extra knowledge.

If you really don't like a wine, remember to be courteous in your
comments as no on likes to be told their wines are rubbish -
particularly if it's the winemaker who is serving you!

Taste is a subjective thing and what may taste like cleaning product
to you may be delicious to someone else so leave the scathing comments
till you are well out of earshot - or not at all if one of your group
has purchased a bottle!

Big groups
If you are visiting wineries in a
large group it is best to ring ahead a few days in advance to let them
know so they can better accommodate you.

If a winery has a small tasting area they may even suggest a
specific time for you to visit so there is enough space and time for
them to give you their full attention.

* Lesley Reidy is an owner of online wine retailer http://www.winefairy.co.nz/