Tips for successful wine tasting

There's a hint of romance and adventure to roaming the countryside in search of the perfect wine. But a poorly organized winery tour can turn sour when heads become muddled with alcohol.

Here are some tips to make your wine-tasting tour a success:

-Keep an ice chest or two in your vehicle to protect your newly purchased wines from the summer heat.

-Don't overbook. Three to five wineries a day is enough for the most-seasoned wine taster.

-Choose a designated driver. All those samples can add up more quickly than you realize. Or rent a limousine; many limo companies offer wine-touring packages.

-Call ahead to make sure the smaller wineries will be open during the time of your tour.

-Do not wear perfumes or fragrances while tasting wine.

-Wear comfortable shoes. Many wineries have gravel roads, and you may do some walking. Bring a jacket or wrap, as well, for venturing into cool wine cellars, suggests grape grower Betty O'Brien.

-When tasting, winemaker Jason Lett recommends going from light to dark wines. With whites, start with the most crisp and finish with the richest. With reds, start with the youngest vintage and finish with the oldest.

-Don't feel like you have to swallow everything. "What separates the professionals from the amateurs is using the spittoon," Lett said.

-Savor the look, smell and feel of the wine. Swirl it around in the glass to work air into it and release the aroma.

-Eat crackers or plain white bread to cleanse your palate between samples.

-Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

-Eating regular meals will help you keep a clear head.

-Many vineyards make the perfect setting for a picnic lunch if you don't want to brave the packed restaurants.

-Bring a notebook to jot down favorites you may want to remember later.