If you are looking for an idea for a get together with friends, here are some hints and ideas about hosting a wine tasting party at home. Generally it works best to have a smaller and more intimate group for a wine tasting (no more than 7 - 8 people).
How many wines to serve:
Usually it works best to compare 6 wines: 3 white and 3 red. For a group of 8 you will want 2-3 bottles of each wine for both the tasting and for serving after
Which wines:
Select vintages that all come from a specific country or region (i.e. Virginia or Sonoma). For an introductory tasting try a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay and a dry Riesling for the whites. For the reds, try a Pinot Noir, a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon
What you need:
Clear "bordeaux" wine glasses, a bucket or bowl to empty the remains into, also have water and crackers (or something similar) for clearing the palate between tastings
How to serve the wine:
Before serving, chill the white wines for 30 minutes to an hour before. Red wine is served at room temperature, but if it is warmer outside or in the house, the wine may need to be chilled slightly
Fill the wineglasses less than halfway. For any unfinished wine, dump the remains into the bucket or bowl. Do not rinse wine glasses between serving since even just a few drops of water will dilute the wine
You should always serve the wines in order from lightest to darkest
How to wine taste test:
Look - Note if the wine is bright (light-bodied) or dark (full-bodied). Clear (good) or cloudy (not good - should be tossed)
Smell - Swirl wine once it is poured to let it get oxygen and release the aromas. Put your nose deep into the glass. What do you smell? Is it fruity? earthy? spicy?
Taste - Sip the wine while slowly taking in air - this helps enhance the flavors. What do you taste? Is it buttery? oaky? Does it taste comparable to something else? Does the flavor linger once you swallow it?
What food to serve:
Serve light appetizers and/or desserts that pair well with wines and will complement and not overwhelm the wines. Some things we love to eat while tasting are olive tapenade with crackers, cheese, honey, candied pecans and chocolate (a great match with red wines!)
Other "little details" to make your party a success:
Create on your own or print out score cards for guest to make notes as they taste. If they love a wine they tried they can take the card home and remember it
Play music - visit realsimple.com for a wine tasting party music list
Photo credits: Real Simple (top) and Martha Stewart (bottom)
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