By guest blogger Terry Sullivan of Wine Trail Traveler

Leelanau Cellars (Photo courtesy of Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Assoc.)

There are a few things that one should do if planning to visit wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula. Although these suggestions may seem like common sense, many winery tasting room staff complain that visitors are unprepared for wine tasting.

Do not put on perfume or after-shave on the day of your visit. The smell will interfere with your ability to judge the aroma and taste of wines. It also interferes with other visitors’ experience in the tasting room. After brushing your teeth in the morning, rinse your mouth with water. You don’t want the first several wines you taste during the day to taste like toothpaste.

Winery tasting rooms have a certain air of sophistication. Leave stadium voices outside. Conversational tones are perfect for the tasting room. Do converse with people around you. Refrain from belittling someone for his or her likes and dislikes of wine.

Bellago Winery (Photo courtesy of Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Assoc.)

You do not have to like the wines you taste. However, remember that just because you don’t like a wine doesn’t make the wine bad. People evolve on a continuum of likes and dislikes when it comes to wine. Unfortunately some will stall on the continuum and develop a palate for a particular style of wine such as a Napa palate. It becomes difficult to like anything that doesn’t fit their profile of what a wine should resemble. Try to keep open minded.

Consider taking a small notepad with you to tasting rooms and jot down points about different wines. When traveling to several tasting rooms, you’ll end up tasting many wines. Your notes will help you recall what you liked.

You do not have to drink all the wine in your glass. Most tasting counters have a dump bucket. Generally if you plan to spit your wine, ask for a small cup to spit into. If you do not want to try a sample just place your hand over your glass.

Shady Lane Winery (Photo courtesy of Leelanau Peninsula Vintner's Assoc.)

Wineries are not supposed to feed you. Don’t hog the crackers or nibbles that are sometimes placed on the tasting counter. Carry bottled water with you. You should try to drink as much water as wine while tasting.

With a few preparations you’ll enjoy a day of wine tasting.

Read about the local wineries on the Wine Trail Traveler.

For the latest news and events on Leelanau wineries visit Leelanau Peninsula Vintner’s Association and for Old Mission Peninsula wineries visit Wineries of Old Mission.