text: do you actually "drink " the wine at a wine tasting event? what  is the proper etiquette? it is your choice.  and it depends what type of event. our wine tastingclub presents a limited number of wines and it is expected that people will drink. there is a container for you to pour away unwanted wines, but people do not spit.  however at professional tastings there are maybe hundreds of wines available and spittoons are provided and spitting is expected. and someone that went around just drinking might be suspected as being a freeloader and not serious.  at professional tastings i spit, drink a small glass with lunch, spit all afternoon until i've tasted enough and then i may drink one or two that i really liked.     so, see what others do for the etiquette.  oh, and practice spitting by taking a mouthfull of mouthwash and take it in the shower with you :)