Types of Wine Tasting PartiesThere are several different types of wine tasting parties you can host. Here are just a few of my favorites:
Obviously, you can combine some of these. How about hosting a Blind-Horizontal wine tasting party? InvitationsFirst, let's talk about the number of people you should have at a Wine Tasting Party. Personally, I think you should limit it to 10 - 12 people.I have been at larger wine tasting parties and it is just too crowded around the tables where the tastings are taking place. Also, a big part of a successful wine tasting party is being able to easily discuss the pros and cons of the wine and in a large group, conversation is difficult. Once your guest list is narrowed down, I suggest using Evite for your guests who are on email. For those not on email, just call them. Create Your Evite InvitationsI am warning you now. Once you begin using Evite, you may never go back to traditional invitations again. On-line invitations are perfect for our busy lifestyles and can be used for almost any occasion, except more formal affairs. The process:
Seriously, what could be easier? You could also make your own invitations. Click here to learn how to make your own invitations in Powerpoint. Party AttireMost of us have been invited to parties where a certain dress code was required. I find these parties somewhat overwhelming because instead of just looking forward to a great party, I have to scramble around looking for special attire. Too much pressure. Instead, choose a color scheme for your wine party and ask your guests to wear those colors. Red, white and/or black for example? Everyone has something in their closet in these colors so no worries, man. Then choose invitations and decorations that match the scheme. Wine Party Setup
How much wine to buy? Using these measured wine pourers For $14.99, you get 2 of these NOTE: 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons so if you have 12 guests and use the amber pourer, you will only use half of each bottle (about 12 ounces) during the tasting process, leaving the rest to enjoy after tasting is over. Make sure you buy additional bottles of various wine to serve before and after the tasting. Table Configuration -- If you have the space, set up 3 wine tasting stations; one for red wines, one for white and a third for dessert wines.At each station, have the following items:
Having separate tasting stations ensures that people spread out making it easier for everyone to get around the tables. Wine Tasting Cards-- If you choose to score wines, the scoring process should add a fun element to your party, not more stress for your guests. Make it simple. Create a scorecard that lists all of the wines and is easy to understand. Use our Free Wine Tasting Cards if you prefer. Clicking here will take you to a new page where you can sign up to immediately receive a 7 page ebook ABSOLUTELY FREE filled with all sorts of party goodies, including our Tasting Scorecard, Wine-Cheese Pairing Table, Cheese Signs for your platters and an excellent recipe for Spiced Nuts. Print this 8-1/2 x 11 sheet and then fill in the names of the wines, by category, in the proper order (see "The Order of Wine Tasting" below). Make your guest copies on cardstock so they are more durable.
An easy way to score wine is to ask your guests to force rank the reds separately from the whites and the desserts. Say you have 5 red wines to taste. Have them assign each a number, 1 being their most favorite, 5 being their least favorite. Have them do the same with the whites and with the dessert wines. At the end of the wine tasting, collect the cards and count up the ones (their favorites) in the red category, then white, then dessert. In each category you should end up with a single wine that received the most ones. If your guests brought the wine, you can award prizes for the best wine chosen in each category. Wine Charms The Tasting ProcessOverview-- Give your guests a run down of the process you will follow during the tasting. For example:
The Order of Wine Tasting -- Red and White wine should be tasted in order from from lightest to most full-bodied. The proper order in each category is: Red Wine -- Gamay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz, Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel White Wine -- White Zinfandel, Riesling, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc/Fumé Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Sémillon, Viognier, Chardonnay In Between Wine Tastings -- It is a good idea to have your guests rinse out their glasses in between tastings. Also, they should cleanse their palettes by drinking water and eating crackers. Wine-Cheese PairingsIf I am hosting a wine tasting party, I like to create big platters of cheeses, olives, fruits, nuts and meats. For a party of 12, I would build 3 platters. Use our Wine-Cheese Pairing Table to design your platters. Clicking here will take you to a new page where you can sign up to immediately receive a 7 page ebook ABSOLUTELY FREE filled with all sorts of party goodies, including our Wine-Cheese Pairing Table, a Tasting Scorecard, Cheese Signs for your platters and an excellent recipe for Spiced Nuts. For each wine type, I give you a selection of cheeses, meats and accompaniments so that your platters do not conflict with your wine choices. Wine Accessories/GiftsCheck out my picks for wine accessories and gifts from Amazon: Also see Recently discounted wines from MyWinesDirect. Planning and hosting a Wine Tasting Party does not need to be complicated. Wine and cheese decisions need to be made, that is true, but it is really all about getting together with some friends and enjoying each other's company. Just have a few great wines to try and some appetizers that pair nicely with the wine, chill out and have some fun. Other Wine Related Links
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