Wine Tasting tips
Expert advice from the 2007 'Wine Society Young Wine Maker Of The Year' Usher Tinkler, and veteran wine connoisseur Murray Flannigan of Tyrells
1 In any tasting session it's important to start with the lighter wines and move to the heavier ones afterwards. This will prevent your palate getting confused. Start with unoaked whites and move through to the reds and then on to any fortified wines. As a general rule, older vintages and blends will be lighter.
2 With each new wine you taste, be sure to swirl the liquid around in the glass to release the flavours, then take time to smell it before you take a sip.
3 Always hold your wine glass by the stem, never by the bowl.
4 Don't wear lipstick, lip balm or any flavoured lip gloss that might interfere with the natural flavours of the wine.
5 Aim to visit no more than about three or four wineries in a day, and break up the tastings with meals and snacks, so that your poor taste-buds don't get overwhelmed. Sniffing coffee beans can also help refresh your sense of smell if all those fruity bouquets get too much. Acidic fruits like apple and bottle-fermented brews like Coopers can cut through the coating of tannins that will gather in the mouth during wine tasting
6 Have fun. Visit a variety of different cellar doors and don't be afraid to ask questions. Most wine-makers will be more than happy to guide you through the process.