Wine Tasting

[Randy Caparoso]

Etiquette has a lot to do with it. Generally speaking, use of spittoons is common in tasting rooms around the world; and so asking for one certainly is neither unexpected nor impolite.

However, if you're traveling in certain wine regions (especially when off the beaten track) where you happen to come upon the owner or an old time winemaker, strike up a rather personal conversation, and then he or she starts to open up rather special wines from the cellar (or "treasure"), then the situation dictates that you drink and enjoy every drop. If fact, even if you can't drink it, it might be impolite to refuse it (which is a good reason to be accompanied by a teetoler). All this is common sense.

And if you're traveling in Australia or parts of Germany you have to be extra diligent. I've met a number of winemakers Down Under and up there who consider it good form to enjoy a good, strong beer before (or after) serious wine tasting. Lo to those who balk. If you're interested in making friends and acquaintances as much as exploring the grape, it's always best to acquiesce to the custom.

[This message has been edited by Randy Caparoso (edited 08-18-99).]