To begin, seek out a reputable business -- a quaint local shop is a great start. A business stocked with a few wines that the employees have tasted (and will tell you about) is far better than an establishment stocked with thousands of wines that can only tell you the name on the label. You can test their knowledge by asking what temperature they keep the wines at -- should it be kept at a higher temperatures wine will quickly lose its flavor. Ask the employees any questions you may have and inquire as to their suggestions. Return to the same establishments as often as you can so that employees remember you by name and will notify you if a particularly unique bottle arrives.

Second, you will need to select the perfect wine glass. Not all wine glasses will be suitable for the various kinds of wine you'll be sampling as you grow into an aficionado. Bigger opening glasses should be used for reds. The wider opening lets you enjoy all the scent that reds have. The smaller, narrower glasses should be paired with a white wine, and smaller still glasses with openings smaller than their diameter should be used for champagne. This will keep the bubbles going longer. You should only fill your glass halfway or even only the bottom third, to bring out the aromas and taste of the wine.

Thirdly we have the bare basics, swirl the wine in the glass, smell it, and taste it. Look at the wine as you swirl notice the various colors. Besides red, blush and white, there are many hues within each. A red wine for example could be burgundy, garnet, ruby, or perhaps some other hue combined. A white wine may be completely see through, gold, lemon or amber. The colors will tell you much about the age and perhaps the flavor of the wine. Begin to swirl the wine around gently to allow some air into it which will expose more of the aroma. Smell the wine after you've swirled it around for a brief time. Smell and swirl a few more times to be sure you really detect the right aroma as background smells may intrude.

By now you want, and probably have, taken your first sip. Do so slowly and allow your tongue to understand. Inhale a little bit of air in your mouth while breathing out with your nose. To truly comprehend all the aromas and flavors of the wine, experience the wine slowly. Taste it and enjoy it. You should ask the employee which wines go well with various foods to get a grasp of what flavors they can extract from the wine. Try out various fruit and ferries as well as different cheeses with the wines. Another way to experience the wine tasting -- write your experiences in a journal. Put forth your impressions of the wine; learn the tastes, tannins, alcohol content and acidity.

The more wines you try, Cabernet, Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, the more you will discover the differences in each. Write down experiences you have had. Put down which foods you paired with what. You will be able to record your experiences and you'll know what to try again. And lastly, read. There are many books at your local library as well as the establishments you visit will have them -- simply ask. They will give you some ideas on what to do and what to pair with. Read and learn as much as you can. Always be open for a new taste extravaganza.