By Amy Simmons
Enquirer contributor

For wine lovers, spring means the annual Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Whether you are a newbie or a more advanced student, there's usually something for everyone.

Historically, the festival's focus is the Grand Tastings held April 4-5 at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center. The tastings feature more than 600 wines from 150 wineries. Toss in food, the chance to meet with winery reps, a souvenir wine glass and official Taster's Guide, and you've got a great experience for $60.

IF YOU GO

What: Cincinnati International Wine Festival Grand Tastings When: 6:30-9 p.m., April 4-5 Where: Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center. Tickets: $60; 723-9463.. Web site.

For a successful tastings experience, here are a few tips to consider:

• Have realistic expectations for the number of wines you will taste and the depth of that experience. If you keep tasting notes, simpler is much better.

• Eat before you taste: Eating can help you extend your wine-tasting experience well into the evening.

• Avoid palate fatigue: You may feel like a kid in a candy store but you cannot realistically try everything. The festival's Web site (www.winefestival.com) includes a listing of participating wineries. Or, take a minute before diving in, review the guide and devise a tasting strategy. If you do mix red and white, start with lighter whites (such as pinot grigio) and move on to heavier whites (such as chardonnay), then progress to lighter reds (such as pinot noir) and heavy reds (cabernet sauvignon). I'll be checking out wines from Argyle, Boisset, Bonny Doon, Caymus and Cline for a mix of new finds and old favorites.

• Smart people spit: There is no shame in spitting. There are buckets at each booth to dump your sample after tasting. Use them. Your body and your companions will thank you.

If you prefer a smaller, more intimate experience, check out the festival's other events.

• Wine seminars: The festival has brought in one of my favorite wine experts, Kevin Zraly, the sommelier and author of Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, an approachable yet informative book on wine. Mr. Zraly will be hosting two seminars on April 5 : "Italian Wine Expert," 1-2:30 p.m.; and "The One Hour Wine Expert," 5-6 p.m. Tickets are $30 for each seminar.

• Linton Chamber Music Series "Taste of Champagne and Chamber Music:" Held 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 4 and 5, this pre-Grand Tastings event offers a great chance to treat yourself to a mix of champagnes and music. Tickets are $15 plus Grand Tastings admission.

• Winery dinners: Held at various participating restaurants beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 3, these dinners ($100-$200) are a chance to taste wines paired with food and to meet winemakers.

As if you needed more incentive to attend, proceeds from the Cincinnati International Wine Festival go to several charities, including the FreeStore/FoodBank, Dress for Success and the Ronald McDonald House.

Contact Amy Simmons by e-mail: asimmons@deskey.com or send questions and comments c/o the Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202.