A New York sommelier has advised wine drinkers not to sip water immediately before tasting, arguing that it can alter the wine’s intended flavour profile. Sarah Looper said anything consumed beforehand may affect a first impression of the wine, which matters particularly when judging it accurately.

Looper recommends approaching the first sip without having recently taken water or other flavours into the mouth. The article presents the advice as a tasting technique rather than health guidance, amid a wider reminder that alcohol carries health risks.