According to The Wine Institute data, as of 2007 there were 2,687 wineries in California.

Though not every winery is open for public tasting, add in the increasing number of wine bars and shops that pour small sample portions, and there is ample opportunity to expose your palate to varietals and blends across a spectrum.

On Wednesday, I suggested that you note your strong impressions as you taste. Also, if you are collecting, buy a few bottles to enjoy in the near future, as well as some to age. Keep a separate page on which vintages to age, and when they should hit their peak.

If you know from your first sip or two that you don’t care for a wine, toss it. That’s what the spittoon is for. Remember the law of diminishing returns – the more you consume, the less you retain, as it were.

Ask questions. What makes this vintner unique? What separates them from the herd? How long is the wine aged? What grapes do they use, and where are they grown? Some wineries grow all their own grapes, some purchase from growers.

Have a few friends over and do some blind pours - everyone will have a great time expressing their opinions and learning about the wines they’ve tasted.