Dos and don'ts of the tasting room

(Credit: Katharine Sidelnik)

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Just like eating at a restaurant or driving your car, there are certain rules of etiquette to follow; obvious and implicit.

"I think that the general rules of being in public apply here," says Lenndeavors' Thompson.

Here are some of the most common faux pas and tips for your next wine tour.

Don't eat all the crackers. They're not meant to be your lunch; they're there to cleanse your palette between the wines.

Don't wear perfume or cologne. "The person tasting next to you might want to smell the Riesling in her glass, not you," Thompson says.

Don't ask for a second taste, unless you are considering buying the wine.

Don't stroll in five minutes before the tasting room closes. Most wineries are family-owned business, not 24-hour Wal-Marts.

Don't feel the need to tip if you don't want to; there's no expectation.

Don't chew gum. It will completely throw off your palate; like drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth.

Do be patient. Tasting rooms can get busy on the weekends.

Do have a designated driver. Please.

Do pour the wine you don't like into the spit bucket. Or if you just don't want to get drunk too fast.

Do ask questions about the wine you're tasting. Wine servers are very knowledgeable and enjoy answering your questions.