Common sense prevails in all matters of etiquette and this is certainly true when drinking wine. Customers, traditions and fashions change and you might need to match your behaviour to suit your environment and the occasion. Some of the guidelines are: -

• If you are hosting a business dinner, a wedding or other formal occasion, it is the host's responsibility to ensure that guests have enough wine and that that their glasses are filled. Unless wine is left on the table for your to help yourself, wait until offered.

• A wine waiter will pour wine from your right-hand side. If you do not want wine, tell the wine waiter before he pours that you won't be having any wine. Do not turn your glass upside down, or pass an unused glass to the waiter.

CHOOSING WINE FOR A GROUP It can be difficult to choose wine for a group if everyone is eating different entrees. Ask the group for ideas (you copuld ask for more wine lists if appropriate), and choose at least one red and one white, and order plenty of mineral water.

	When tasting wine at an organized tasting, hold the glass by the stem or the foot to look at the wine and swirl it. This also prevents getting fingerprints on the bowl.
	When tasting red wine, most people hold the glass by the bowl. The gradual warming by the hand will release the aroma of the wine, especially if the wine is slightly chilled.
	Hold the glass by the stem when drinking white and sparkling wine, to avoid warming the wine. If your glass has been over-filled, however you might find it easier to hold the glass by the bowl.