There are several steps to sample wine. First, look at the wine. Notice the depth of color and attempt to determine age, grape variety, climate and alcohol content. Second, smell the wine and notice the aroma. Swirl the glass (carefully) and smell the wine again. Third, taste the wine. Take a small amount to the palate and blow bubbles inward. Fourth, inspect the cork stain and smell the cork. Finally, look at the wine, especially the legs and how they fall down.