| Most wine lovers, at some point, have taken the | | | | with ice, or an electric wine chiller, in case one of |
| opportunity to participate in a wine tasting. In | | | | your guest brings a wine that needs chilling. A |
| many cases, the tastings were sponsored by a | | | | wine cart is a terrific way to present all the |
| commercial winery. Sometimes local merchants | | | | bottles, and even serve the guests as it moves |
| who sell wine will have a tasting. Even cruise lines | | | | around the room. |
| have wine tastings on many cruises. However, did | | | | Make sure that you number the bottles and |
| you know that it's quite possible to turn your | | | | disguise the labels. Have appropriate stemware on |
| home bar, or wine bar, into a very professional | | | | hand for the type of wine you're serving. |
| wine tasting event! | | | | Instruct your guests to evaluate the wines using |
| Of course your wine tasting doesn't necessarily | | | | a 3 step process. First, have them look at the |
| have to be "professional", but I'm sure you'd like it | | | | clarity and color. Wine should have an appealing |
| to be authentic and fun. This article will provide | | | | look.After all, presentation is everything! Next, |
| some keys to a successful wine tasting. | | | | they should smell the wine. Try to get your |
| Home wine tastings should be rather small | | | | guest's first impressions, as they are always the |
| gatherings. Anywhere from 4-8 friends is perfect. | | | | most accurate. Wine aromas change the longer |
| Tell your friends to each bring a bottle of wine in | | | | they meet with the air. Have your guests inhale |
| a specific price range. Now, there are two schools | | | | deeply and describe what they smell. Finally, have |
| of thought on the types of wine to bring. Some | | | | them taste the wine. The glasses should be no |
| wine tastings feature all of the same type of | | | | more than 1/8 full. Have them roll the wine evenly |
| wine, a Merlot, for example. Other tastings | | | | around their mouths, taking in a little air. Air can |
| feature a variety of different types of wines. The | | | | enhance the flavors. |
| single type of wine tasting is not as challenging to | | | | It's interesting to note that when evaluating the |
| the taste buds, and therefore a better choice for | | | | wines, your guests will seldom show a consensus |
| an amateur event. | | | | on which wine is "best".Remember, this process |
| Certainly, you want your wine tasting to go as | | | | demonstrates that we all have different tastes. |
| smoothly as possible. Consequently, preparation is | | | | There are no "right" or "wrong" judgments. The |
| the key. Definitely have a quality wine opener on | | | | rating system is simple. The wines are scored on |
| hand. It's well worth the investment to purchase a | | | | a 1-10 basis, with 10 being the highest. Add up the |
| heavy duty commercial opener. They are fast | | | | scores for each wine and divide it by the number |
| and effortless, and seldom damage the cork. | | | | of tasters. The highest average wins. |
| They also are much more durable then standard | | | | Wine tastings at home are not only fun, but they |
| corkscrews. A good, modestly priced opener has | | | | give you the opportunity to show off your wine |
| two prongs that slide down the cork and help | | | | furniture and wine carts. Also, they keep you |
| ease the cork out of the bottle has you twist. | | | | experimenting, and this process will always |
| Also, make sure you have a wine bucket handy | | | | introduce you to new "favorites. |