I enjoy experimenting with different types of wines. It’s even more enjoyable with buddies. That’s why I wanted to learn how to throw my own wine tasting party. It’s now something I do on a regular basis because it’s so simple to put together for a small party, or simply a wine tasting for two people.
Wine Tasting Party Ideas
A wine tasting party is a fun opportunity to get together with friends and explore different wines you would not have tried otherwise. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite!
And the good news is that you don’t have to hold a wine tasting at your home if you don’t want to go to an expensive wine bar or be a wine expert.
It’s difficult to know where to begin if you’ve never attended one before. These wine tasting party recommendations should come in handy in that case.
At home is one of the ideal venues to host a wine tasting party. You may skip the commotion of a bar and the distractions (and smells) of a winery by hosting your own wine party at home.
The ideal place for the tasting is a room with plenty of natural light and no strong smells or odd aromas. There should also be adequate airflow in the area. It’s probably not a good idea to taste wine in a dingy cellar or a room that smells like last night’s Indian food.
Keep in mind that drinking wines in intensely scented environments can change your perception of them on the palate. In many cases, the same wine will taste completely different in a different setting.
Party Themes
Make your theme as creative as possible, and consider basing your party decorations on it. Wine tastings can be very varied, so having a theme can help make it more enjoyable and focused.
To set the tone for the wine tasting, start with a modest aperitif. Before the tasting, provide a tiny glass of bubbly to your guests to help them relax.
A Horizontal Wine Tasting
This type of tasting enables you and your guests to compare different wines that hail from the same vintage or represent the same style of wine. You can highlight the differences in winemaking styles from different producers and choose your favorite wines in the lineup.
A Vertical Wine Tasting
This type of tasting focuses on just one wine over a span of years. The goal is to observe and evaluate the similarities and differences of each vintage. This type of tasting is a great way to demonstrate how weather affects wine and to gain an understanding of varietal style and composition.
Different Wines From Specific Geographic Locations
To get a literal taste of how a region plays such an integral role in the taste of wine, try different wines from areas that intrigue you. Compare a selection of Barbaresco wines from Italy’s Piedmont to different vintages from neighboring Barolo, or a selection of Chenin Blanc from South Africa.
One Wine From Two Different Regions
This type of tasting compares a single type of wine that is grown in different countries or regions. For example, bottles of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand versus bottles from France.
Blind Tasting Of Wines Under $20 And Wines Over $50
This type of tasting is a whole lot of fun. The labels are covered up, so only the host or sommelier knows the identity of each wine. Half the wines are everyday picks priced under $20, and the other half are premium fine wines. Participants taste the wines and rate them from low to high. The results of this type of tasting are almost always surprising.
Grape Varieties
How about a rosé wine tasting party? Pick a selection of wines of the same color that are made from different grapes. It’s a fun way to taste a full spectrum of varietal wines.
Party Menu Pairing Ideas
Want to host a wine tasting but aren’t sure what to serve for hors d’oeuvres? We’ve got you covered with this wine tasting party menu, along with ideas for which wines to go with each dish.
Fresh Seafood Cocktail
For something cool on a hot day, we mix shrimp and crabmeat with crunchy veggies straight from the garden. Look for adobo seasoning in your grocery’s international section.
Easy Strawberry Salsa
Salsa is sweet and colorful, with just a little bite from jalapeno peppers. I love to use fresh strawberries and my own homegrown vegetables, but you can also use produce that is available year-round. It’s delicious with tortilla chips or even as a topping for grilled chicken or pork.
Marinated Cheese
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear at the buffet table. It’s attractive, delicious—and easy!
Fruit and Cheese Board
Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this fruit charcuterie board a party go-to with any that are in season.
BBQ Chicken Bites
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures.
Party Invitations
Set the tone for your next wine tasting event with a high-quality invitation that will impress even the pickiest of guests. To whet your friends’ appetites and get them excited for the big day, choose from our collection of wine tasting invitation designs. They are available in a variety of designs to match any wine tasting party invitation ideas or themes you may have.
FYI, every template in our site is coming for free and can be customized using your laptop, desktop and even through your smartphone.
How to Download
- What you need to do is click (left-click) the preview image.
- You should see a new page popped-up in your display, then you need to “right-click” the image and select “Save image as”
- Locate the destination folder, or just leave it as it is. Then “Enter” to start the download process.
Please note this, all files/materials have been included in that package, so once it’s finished, you are able to customize it right away.
Conclusion
A wine tasting party is the ideal opportunity to connect, learn, have fun, and embark on a sensory trip, whether you want a dressed-up evening event indoors or a casual afternoon soiree in your backyard. Just be aware that if your wine party goes well, you (and your guests) may want to make it a common thing. That’s fantastic!