Every time I find myself pouring wine at a tasting event, I want to tell everyone who approaches me the rules of wine tasting — not the smell, swirl and sip rule, but the do's and don'ts of stand-up, in-store or event-style wine tasting.

For instance, please hold your glass up to the person pouring, so they don't have to bend over. This may not be as challenging for tall people, but for us petite pourers, reaching over tall bordeaux-style bottles to a small glass on the other side can be daunting and dangerous, especially if the person waiting for wine is wearing white or other light-colored clothing.

And while we're on the subject of clothing, a wine tasting is not the place to premiere that gorgeous new white outfit, or any outfit that will readily show wine spots or permanently stain. White, khaki and pastels are the No. 1 attractors of wine, especially red wine.

Whether you're at the First Friday wine tasting at HASR Wine Co. downtown, Taste of Honolulu, the upcoming Taste at Kapolei or any of the other countless benefits and fundraisers, there are helpful tips you can follow that will keep a smile on everyone's face.

Remember, at most wine tastings, the people pouring are not being paid to do so. They are either volunteers for the fundraising organization or sales reps for distributors.

Yes, it looks fun, and sometimes it is, but for most it's work — generally carried out after a long workday or workweek. So courtesy and politeness are more than acceptable; they're extremely appreciated.

Ask questions about the wine. The reason most of us are there is because we are wine specialists and love to talk about and teach wine.

I love when people come with an outstretched hand, willing to experiment. And often that means trying a wine other than pinot noir or something else with which you are familiar. I happen to be a white-wine aficionado, whether it's a crisp Domaine Laroche chablis or a flinty, mineral-laden Riff pinot gris or a floral Iron Horse viognier. If you're not into testing the waters, tell us what you like — sweet, crisp, red, white. That information is helpful if you don't plan on tasting the entire lineup.

Wine tasting means just what it says: consuming "tastes" of several different wines. Yes, we all would like a full glass of Sassicaia, Grange or one of Napa's newest and hottest wineries, such as Cliff Lede, but when there is only one bottle for 50 people, the rules we learned in kindergarten apply: Share nicely with others.

Don't overindulge. Drunks destroy everyone's enjoyment by becoming aggressive, obnoxious, mean, or worse, sick.

Unfortunately, it's not only those who have had too much who become pushy and aggressive. Shoving your glass in front of others, unless directed to do so by the person pouring, is a yellow-card violation in my book. Pouring your own wine, which is illegal, is also cause for dismissal. If the tasting is crowded, step back and away from the table once you've been poured. Again, a smile, a thank you or a nod of appreciation goes a long way. Come back later with your questions, when the line has eased up.

Spitting at wine tastings, while not mandatory, is often a good plan. Especially if you really are tasting with an eye to buy, not just to knock back some free wine. If the spit bucket is full, please tell someone before it overflows or creates a Niagara Falls-like splash. And please try not to knock it over. Another helpful hint: If there's a pitcher of water there, it's for rinsing out glasses, not for spitting.

And finally, if the wine tasting is at a retail store, or special prices are being offered at an event, buy something. Going to tasting after tasting is great, but drinking a whole bottle of a wine you particularly enjoyed is priceless.

WINE TASTINGS AROUND TOWN