Wine tasting is one of the most fun parts of social activities. It’s also one of the best ways to learn more about wines and meet new people. Whether you want to host your event or have friends over for a casual gathering, you need to consider important things when planning any wine tasting. Tips for hosting a wine tasting at home include:
1. Choose a theme
One of the first steps in planning a successful wine tasting is choosing a theme that will help make these events both interesting and memorable for all involved. Themes can range from a particular style of wine with specific grapes to the location where the wine was made. When selecting a theme, think outside the box. If your friend likes beer, then put together something based on him. Use the theme as a jumping-off point for your guests to talk about and enjoy during the evening.
2. Keep your gathering small and choose the right place
Remember, wine tastings don’t always require a big open-air party. Many times, they take place in smaller gatherings like dining rooms. Try asking your friends what kind of setting they prefer; you can plan accordingly. If you have a large group, you may want to consider splitting them into two groups so everyone can visit several areas of the house instead of sitting back and waiting to get served.
3. Set the mood
You know what time dinner will happen, but how do you decide on music? This is why some of the biggest mistakes people make with their wine tastings are not taking the time to set the mood. As we discussed earlier, themes work great to start, but once you’ve decided what sort of music you want to play, use that information to create a playlist full of relevant songs. Be sure to invite people who enjoy similar types of music to make the evening flow smoothly.
4. Decide what to wear
While you may love wearing jeans everywhere else, let your guests know that you are more comfortable in cocktail attire. Some women even go so far as to say that formal dresses increase their pleasure level by about 15 percent. Don’t forget to tell your guests what clothing and accessories would be appropriate for the event. Darker clothing is smart. For example, black dresses are great for hiding red wine stains. Anything white is asking for trouble.
5. Decide on wine and food pairings
Food and alcohol have long been connected, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to incorporate the two. To begin with, try pairing wine and food that share some ingredients. For example, you could serve grilled chicken salad with a nice dry red, or white Zinfandel with a little cheese sprinkled on top. Another idea would be to have a dessert wine available while serving warm cookies.
6. Stock up on supplies to ensure you’ll have what you need
Having everything you need before the event takes place is imperative for a successful wine tasting. Make sure you stock up on glasses, plates, cups, candles, and anything else you might need. Remember that good food and wine go hand in hand when making purchases.
7. Know how to serve wine
One of the most common questions I receive when someone refers to me for a wine tasting is, “How do I serve it?” Of course, anyone who wants to host a wine tasting needs to understand basic serving etiquette. The best advice I can give anyone looking to hold a wine tasting is if your guests aren’t sure how much to pour, stick with whatever amount they drink. Most people tend to drink half a glass or less per serving.
8. Send invitations
Invitations are important for any event, especially for wine tastings. Sending detailed instructions about the dress code, serving wines from a particular region, and what foods will be served alongside the wine are all vital components of the invitation. You also help prevent last-minute panic attacks stemming from missing something specified earlier by sending out the invitation.
9. Have fun!
Whether you win or lose, the most important thing is that you have fun enjoying all that wine, cheese, and company. Remember, no matter what happens after the party, you did it yourself, and you can look at yourself in the mirror and smile, knowing that it was 100% worth it.
I hope these helpful hints will help you throw a successful wine tasting. A few simple rules will ensure you have a great experience, so don’t hesitate to refer to these guidelines when planning wine tastings!