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