| Having a wine tasting party is a lot of fun. | | | | they will immediately pass judgment on whether |
| Although, this might seem to be for only the | | | | or not it is a good wine. Some people immediately |
| sophisticated crowd, anyone can learn about wine | | | | assume wine is no good if it is less than $100. |
| and hold a wine tasting. This is a great way to get | | | | Never tell the price to your guests, especially if |
| together and experiment with new varietals. You | | | | you have many different wines varying greatly in |
| can use any method of a wine tasting when you | | | | price. It is okay to tell prices after the wine |
| have a party. | | | | tasting is over. |
| The first thing you need to do is determine the | | | | It is important not to have labels on the bottles |
| type of wine tasting you want to have with your | | | | or anywhere they can be found. If you leave a |
| friends. The best 'first' wine tasting method is the | | | | label on the counter then you may have a |
| Big 8 because this gives everyone a good idea | | | | cheating guest. Allow the guests to incorporate |
| the differences of varietals right up front. You can | | | | their senses properly without any help or hints. |
| choose from the horizontal, vertical, pairings with | | | | You don't have to go all out when you decorate |
| cheese or chocolate, or other methods. It is up to | | | | for a wine tasting party. It is important to have a |
| you as it is your wine tasting party. | | | | white table cloth so the wine color can be |
| You will next need to determine who you are | | | | properly assessed. Many people like to decorate |
| going to invite to the party. Be sure there is | | | | with candles, paintings, and flowers. It is entirely |
| enough room for all of the guests you want to | | | | up to you how you want to decorate at your |
| invite before you send out any invitations. You | | | | party. |
| want enough chairs for people to sit comfortably. | | | | Be sure you have plenty of light at your wine |
| You also don't want to have too many people as | | | | tasting party. This is important or you will have |
| it could be a bad situation if people feel rushed. | | | | difficulty with proper assessments of the color of |
| When you think about the amount of people you | | | | the wine. You might serve a very cloudy wine but |
| have at your wine tasting party will help you | | | | if the room is dim and candle light is shining it may |
| know how much wine you need to buy. Be sure | | | | look brilliant. |
| to have enough so all of the guests are able to | | | | When you serve wines at a wine tasting party be |
| taste the same wines. | | | | sure that they are served from dry to sweet. |
| Thinking about the 'who' in who you are going to | | | | Start with the light white wines first and work |
| invite is important also. You might not want to | | | | your way slowly to the dark and heavy red |
| invite friends who think they are experts on wine | | | | wines. You should also start with younger wines |
| or they might get a little annoying. They also | | | | to the older wines. If you are doing a vertical test |
| might take over the entire learning process of the | | | | based on years then you will be sure to start |
| different wines. This is supposed to be fun so be | | | | with the newest wines first. |
| sure to invite fun people and people who are | | | | When you pour wine at a wine tasting be sure |
| open minded. | | | | you pour enough in the glass to taste the wine |
| You should design a card for each wine being | | | | and not too much. Two ounces is usually a |
| tasted. This will be filled out by each guest as | | | | perfect amount to pour for your guests to get |
| they taste each wine. They will be able to record | | | | the right amount for a proper tasting of the wine. |
| the aroma they smell from each wine, the flavor, | | | | Be sure to provide snacks like unflavored, |
| what it tastes like with a specific cheese, etc. You | | | | unsalted crackers and bread to your guests. You |
| can also have them score the different wines on | | | | don't want your guests to be hungry. This will also |
| the back of each card also. | | | | cleanse their palate so they are ready for the |
| The best way to do a wine tasting with your | | | | next wine to try on your list. |
| friends is by holding a blind wine tasting party. You | | | | The most important thing to consider at a wine |
| will need black or dark colored glasses so the | | | | tasting party is driving. If your wine tasting party |
| guests cannot see the colors of the different | | | | consists of people drinking the wine and not just |
| wines. This way their perceptions will be more | | | | tasting then they will need to find a ride home. Be |
| honest and accurate. | | | | sure rides have been arranged so all of your |
| You also do not ever want to tell your guests | | | | guests are safe when the party is over. |
| what the prices of a specific wine was because | | | | |