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