| As your love and knowledge of wine grows, it is | | | | from Mount Veeder (west hills). This was a |
| inevitable that you will want to share your | | | | pleasant and educational mix: a consistant varietal, |
| revelations with friends and family. Hosting a wine | | | | but different styles from different regions. |
| tasting party is a great way to do this.When | | | | Another option is to taste the same varietal from |
| planning a wine tasting party, some obvious | | | | the same region, but in different price ranges.For |
| questions about parameters arise. How many | | | | the initial tasting, pour a small amount in each |
| people should you invite? What types and how | | | | guest's glass. Refrain from pouring full glasses until |
| many wines should you pour?It is my opinion that | | | | every wine has been tasted to avoid the cloud of |
| an informal gathering should be kept to 12 people | | | | inebriation on the senses.Provide some neutral |
| or less. This ensures that conversation and | | | | flavored foods for your guests. Make sure this |
| dialogue will be much more conducive than with a | | | | does not interfere or clash with the wine tasting. |
| larger group.Blind tasting is the most fun and | | | | Don't serve blue cheese if you are tasting Pinot |
| informative. Wrapping bottles in bags will negate | | | | Blancs. Try bread or crackers and a mild, white |
| past preferences and prejudices. You may be | | | | cheddar or brie.Paper and pencils are necessary |
| surprised what you "like" without access to the | | | | for your guests to write notes and preferences. |
| wine label.Focus on a relatively specific style of | | | | If you regularly taste with the same group, you |
| wine. Within this framework, some variations | | | | may want to use a designated notebook as well |
| should be considered. I recently hosted a wine | | | | as articulate some additional guidelines and |
| tasting party where we tasted Napa Valley | | | | procedures for the tasting notes. This will create |
| Cabernet Sauvignons.To make it more interesting, | | | | and ongoing reference point and perspective as |
| we tasted two wines from Rutherford, (valley | | | | your tastes develop. |
| floor) two from Stags Leap, (east hills) and two | | | | |