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Step 1
Consider having a designated driver or hire a limo with a sober driver so everyone stays safe. While you won't be drinking a great amount of wine per winery, if you hit several wineries, you can end up consuming a lot of alcohol.
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Step 2
Chat with the people doing the pouring at the wineries and know that many owners actually pour the wine in the tasting rooms. Let the employees know what you think of wine and what kinds of wines you like. They'll steer you in the right direction. If you don't know the area, they can also give you restaurant and lodging recommendations.
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Step 3
Start with the more milder tasting wines such as whites and work your way up to the ports. Most wineries have a list of the wines they're pouring and most of the time the wineries will have to start with the milder wines.
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Step 4
Hold your glass up to the light, swirl it around the glass and smell it. Take a small sip of the wine, swish it around the mouth and swallow it or spit it out. Smell the wine and take a larger sip. Feel free at this point to either finish the wine or pour it into one of dump buckets on the bar.
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Step 5
Cleanse your palette with a small cracker or a piece of bread before tasting the next wine.
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Step 6
Listen to the recommendations of the employees. Often the employees will recommend a piece of chocolate or a cracker spread with cheese or a preserve to eat with the wine. These foods bring out flavors of the wine and make the experience more fun.
