Vino NoNo:

During a hot game of Apples to Apples last night, I was coached in wine etiquette by my twenty-something-year-old daughters (one of whom works for a Napa Valley vintner)... am I the only one who didn't know that you are never suppose to pour your own glass of wine? So who pours when I drink alone?

P's & Q's: The duty of the host toward his/her guests is one of the most ancient and enduring forms of etiquette in human civilization. When serving wine, making sure that your guests are comfortable with the process is your paramount concern. Before serving, always allow wine time to breathe at room temperature. Never pour wine for guests immediately after opening. It is the host's responsibility to discreetly ensure that the wine is sound and unspoiled. This should be done away from company, and a small amount should be sampled. Always serve wine to your guests in clean, spotless wine glasses. This may seem obvious, but it is a very common mistake. Never fill a glass to the top with wine. Leave at least half the glass empty, sometimes closer to 2/3 depending upon the type of glass. When you are a guest at someone else’s home, it's good wine etiquette to allow the host/hostess to serve your wine for you, unless he or she suggests you help yourself.