This free step-by-step guide is like having an expert lead you through a tasting of four wines. It's easy to follow and it's fun to share with friends.

Start by downloading the information you need to buy the wines and set up the tasting. Print one copy and take it to your retailer, who can help you choose the wines:

Tasting Preparation (28K)

Next, print one copy of the step-by-step guide:

Tasting Guide (64K)

Finally, for each taster, print one copy of each of the following:

Tasting Journal (33K)
Use these forms--one for white wines and one for reds--to record your impressions. The forms contain key descriptors and are coordinated with the tasting method chart in the link below.

Tasting Method Chart and Tasting Mat (72K)
If you're going to download anything from this page, download this chart, which you can use to get more out of wine in all your tastings. Follow the chart to learn how experts evaluate wine; it includes the tasting steps along with the evaluation questions to ask at each step and the key terms used to describe wine. Use the tasting mat to keep your glasses organized.

Questions? Visit the Learn Wine Forum or check out our Resources, which include blank tasting journal forms that you can use for your own tastings as well as a glossary with audio pronunciations. You can also e-mail Gloria Maroti Frazee (The Schoolmarm) at wss@mshanken.com.

If you like this tasting, you'll really like our courses. Each course includes expert insights, worksheets and study guides along with quizzes that test your knowledge and fun tastings that help you to really understand wine. Check out our Course Catalog.

If you don't already have it, you'll need to get this free software to open the downloads.