1. Pour!

Not too much! Just enough that you can get a good idea of what you're working with. Try about two good sips worth.

2. Observe the Wine

Hold it up to a light and tilt the glass a bit to see how the color changes from center to edge. If there is no good light to use, try using any white backdrop. That would help better than nothing. White wines will tend to become darker with age while reds will lose their color and go more towards a brownish hue. Take a look and see what you notice. Also, get a quick sniff to see how the aromas are working before you swirl.

3. Swirl the Wine

This requires some good wrist action. If you can't make small circles with your wrist, set it on a table and move it around. The table method actually helps prevent dumping some on your new white carpet, $300 shirt, or young baby below. Swirl away to unleash the intense aromas you're looking for. The air works with the wine that has been starved of oxygen for years, so let it breath and take a whiff. Get your nose right into the glass for best results. If you're working with whiskey or rum, keep your nose above so you don't burn your senses away.

4. Note the Viscosity

While swriling, get an idea of how the body is holding up by letting it run down the inside of the glass. A quick-running wine will be a bit thinner in the body than one that seems to coat the glass.

5. Take a Sip

BUT DON'T SWALLOW.... yet. Move it around in your mouth and take note of the taste sensations. Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, savory? What flavors come to mind? Also, how is the weight and texture? Stain those teeth with purple delight and take in all the info you can from this sip. Maybe go for the 30 or 60 second test where you hold it in for so long and see how it evolves. Also, try taking in a bit of air while the wine is in your mouth. This can open up more depths in flavor that you didn't notice before. And..... Swallow.

6. Slurp the Next Sip

Bring some air in with your next sip and see how this can change your experience in terms of flavor and texture.

7. Make Note of the Aftertaste

The aftertaste, or "finish" to the wine can be a huge bonus experience. How does it taste while going down? You'll find many more nuances when the liquid is gone.

8. Pair The Wine With Some Foods

Cheeses are good, as are fruits, meats, and breads. See how these can change the wine itself or the overall experience. Which foods work best for which wines? There are some general rules, but a lot of it is up to you. Afterall, it is your own experience and perception that matters most.

9. Write It Down

If you feel so inclined, write down the notes to reference later. You can then draw comparisons to other wines you have tasted and see the development of your abilities as a wine taster!