While it may seem easy enough to understand - a wine tasting can actually be quite a misunderstood experience depending on where you go, who you go with, who is there, and what you are trying. It can be quite simple like tasting a few wines with friends to something that is much more elaborate and professional.

When tasting wines there are a few things to pay close attention to. These things can seem quite silly - but make a lot of sense when trying to establish your preference for the wines (in fact tastings can help you find out what types of wines you might really enjoy without having to try them all). You are using many of your senses when tasting wine but basically you are looking for the appearance (sight) of the wine, the aroma (smell) of the wine, the sensation (touch) it has in your mouth, and of course the flavor (taste). You use all of these senses to see how you feel about the wine, whether you like it or not, and if you are going to buy it. The buying is the big reason tastings can be so elaborate. Wineries and related businesses want you to buy the product!

In reality it is that simple and that is how I feel most people should approach it. Try it - to buy it and if you dont love it - leave it. Don't get intimidated when the fancy pants know-it-all "experts" (Connoisseurs) use strange terms and basically ask you to make love to the wine. You are tasting for your own enjoyment and at the end of the day it is up to you to determine what wines you like and why.

Bottoms up!