Mistakes Made When Visiting a Tasting Room

VinePair is a NYC-based wine, beer, and spirits website. They have published a nice list of things not to do when visiting a winery.  The key point is, it's not a bar, it's about tasting and learning.

Wine Tasting Mistakes

It takes time and concentration
 to really understand a wine.
Something that can be difficult if you're rushed
 or have kids and pets to watch

I'll add in a few other things to consider:

If you bring small children then bring something for them to do--coloring books, electronic games, or whatever. It lets you concentrate on the tasting and keeps them out of trouble. Almost all wineries will let you bring in your children. That doesn't mean the place is kid-friendly as by nature wineries can be dangerous and you can be a bit distracted. Dangerous? Yes, there can be steps, ladders, wet floors, rocky hillsides, rattlesnakes, stinging insects, chemicals, forklifts, broken glass, etc.

Not all wine tasting areas are pet-friendly. Check ahead before showing up with your dog.

Strolling in at closing time means you're probably not going to get a full tasting. As with any retail operation showing up just before closing doesn't mean as long as you're in the door you can stay as long as you want. It means the business closes down at that time.  Allow at least 30 minutes, 45 minutes is better, for a nice tasting experience. 

Moral of the story? It's better with no distractions. So what should you do in the tasting room? Learn, enjoy, and buy some of the stuff you like!