Party Time
From guests to glassware, hosting a wine tasting is easier then you think
By Holly Falk

     The best way to learn about wine is to drink it and discover what wine varietals and styles you enjoy. A great way to try a number of different wines is by hosting or attending a wine tasting party. Hosting a wine tasting party does not have to be expensive, nor does it require a lot of time and energy. Here are a few suggestions for hosting a successful wine tasting party.

Guests
     An important part of hosting a wine tasting party is to invite guests who enjoy wine and who all have a similar knowledge about wine. Inviting 10-20 guests is ideal because it allows everyone to discuss the wines in a casual environment and allows the host to keep the tasting on track. Remind your guests that it is only a tasting and, therefore, only a tasting portion (1-2 oz.) will be poured.

Theme
     Having a theme for your wine tasting is a must and should be conveyed to your guests in the invitation. If you are having your guests bring wine, be specific about what you need them to bring and give them a specific price range. There are many themes from which to choose. Here are a few from tastings I have attended:
Varietal tasting: Wines of the same varietal but from different regions. For example, Chardonnays from Australia, Napa, France and South Africa.
Regional tasting: Wines from the same region but different varietals. For example, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon all from California.
Horizontal tasting: Wines from the same varietal and vintage but from different wineries. For example, 2000 Cabernets from Silver Oak, Joseph Phelps, Heitz Cellar and Duckhorn.
Vertical tasting: Wines from different vintages but from the same winery. For example, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Cabernet Sauvignon from Joseph Phelps; Red Burgundies vs. Oregon Pinot Noirs and California Pinot Noirs; French
Bordeaux vs. California Cabernets

     As you can see, there are many possible themes. If your guests are new to wine tasting and don’t have a favorite
varietal, my advice is to host a tasting that includes both white wines and red wines. Themes that could include both
are:
Wines from Down Under
The different Wines of France
That’s Amore, Wines from Italy
Tapas and Spanish Wines

Wine
     Six to 10 wines maximum is about the amount of wine that should be poured at a tasting party. Your wines should be tasted in proper order as well. Dry white wines (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Albrino, Chardonnay) should always be tasted before sweet white wines (Riesling, Viogner, Gewürztraminer). White wines should also be served chilled, preferably using a refrigerator instead of an ice bucket. Red wines should be tasted from light-bodied to full-bodied. Examples of lightbodied reds are Burgundy, Pinot Noir and Chianti. Full-bodied reds include Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Food
     As a general rule, I think it is always important to serve food during a tasting. Your food can be casual and simple – from crackers, cheese and nuts to light appetizers. In order to preserve the integrity of your wine, I would suggest not serving foods with heavy seasoning or foods that are really spicy. Another important thing to have on hand for your guests is water. Make sure that your guests have plenty of water to stay hydrated, cleanse their palates and to rinse their glasses between whites and reds if new glassware is not provided.

Glassware
     A basic (12 oz), clear wine glass is perfect to use for your wine tasting. If possible, offer your guests one glass to taste the white wines and another glass to taste the reds. If you don’t have enough glasses to offer two, make sure water is provided so your guests may rinse their glasses.

Spit Buckets
     Spit buckets should be provided to your guests in case they decide to spit or dump their wine after tasting, or to use after rinsingtheir glass. A vase, wine bucket or bowl can be used as a spit bucket.

Tasting Sheets
     Tasting sheets with the wines being tasted should be provided to your guests in case they would like to take notes on the wines. If possible, I also like to include where the wine can be purchased.

     I hope this article inspires you to host a tasting and gives you plenty of ideas. Remember to have fun and be adventurous with your tasting.
Cheers!

Holly Falk works in wine retail in Northern Virginia and is a wine consultant and educator. She visits Smith Mountain Lake often with her husband and two children. To submit a question on wine, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .