I've mentioned before that we are entering the season of wine tastings and festivals. I love a good wine tasting as much as the next person, but I get the feeling that a lot of people need some help with how to act at a tasting. So, here are some tips to help make every wine tasting event more enjoyable:

• It is not a drinking contest. A wine tasting is a place to find out about new wines in a, hopefully, fun and relaxed environment, not a place to see how drunk you can get.


• They are wine pours, they are meant to be savored, they are not shots.


• They are wine pours, they are not a glass of wine, the idea is to get a sample not a whole bottle


• No one cares how much you know about wine. If you have questions about the wine or region, ask. But please don't ask just to show off how smart you are.


• Like drinking, swirling should be done in moderation.


• Stand still. The table is already crowded enough, you don't need to move in front of each wine as it is being poured.


• Once again, the table is crowded. Taste your wine and move on, the tasting table is the wrong place to discuss your dog's worm medication


• As long as people are moving at a good clip, wait your turn. At the very least don't stick your arm in my face while trying to reach over me because you can't wait 5 seconds.


• If your winery is coming to an event, bring enough wine to last the entire duration of the event.


• Yes, they are cute. Yes, they are impressed with your vast knowledge of wine. Please just pour their wine and get to the rest of us...flirt on your own time.


• Know something, anything about the wines you are pouring. If they are good we might have actual questions. At the very least, if it is a blended wine, know what the blending is.


• I usually spend between $200-$300 when I go to a festival, I am sure most people are like me. Act like you are interested in my business,


• On a personal note: A woman with a French accent will absolutely sell me much more Bordeaux.