If you've been too intimidated to attend a wine tasting, don't be. After a few swirls and sips, the vino will sink in and you'll be talking about varietals and vintages before you know it. And even if the words "varietal" and "vintage" aren't on your tongue, the wine will be.

   Act like a pro at the vineyard or wine shop tastings with these simple steps from Vinoklet Winery, which offers wine tastings anytime you're in the mood. Or check out tastings at local wine shops, wine bars, wineries or Jungle Jim's in Fairfield, which always seems to be in the midst of a wine tasting. (Mount Adams boasts two wine bars: The Incline Lounge by the Celestial Restaurant on Celestial Street and the Wine Cellar on Saint Gregory Street. The Wine Cellar has tastings at 7:30 p.m. every Friday night.)

   Keep in mind this is a tasting. You will get a few sips of wine, not a whole glass. Expect white tablecloths (to better judge the color of the wines), and dress appropriately. Most places are casual, but you might not want to wear cut-off shorts to a winery. Also, spitting is allowed. If you're going to taste a lot of wines and you fear you will get drunk too fast, it is acceptable to spit. Just ask ahead of time what the winery's preference is.


Hold the glass up to the light and observe the color and clarity of the wine. Remember to hold the glass at the stem so as to not transfer body heat to the wine.
We said swirl, not slosh. Swirling the wine releases the "bouquet" or aroma of the wine. Keep the glass on a steady surface and gently move the stem in a circular motion.

The flavor of the wine is a combination of the taste and smell of the "bouquet".

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Don't swallow too quickly; you want to roll the wine in your mouth and hit all of your taste buds.
After swallowing, evaluate. Enjoy the aftertaste, or "finish," of the wine. Add remarks such as "full-bodied," "woodsy" or "a hint of sherry" for effect as you see fit.