Hosting a Wine Tasting Party

Benjamin BicaisVeeder (west hills). This was a pleasant and
As your love and knowledge of wine grows, it iseducational mix: a consistant varietal, but different
inevitable that you will want to share yourstyles from different regions. Another option is to
revelations with friends and family. Hosting a winetaste the same varietal from the same region,
tasting party is a great way to do this.but in different price ranges.
For the initial tasting, pour a small amount in each
It is my opinion that an informal gathering shouldguest's glass. Refrain from pouring full glasses until
be kept to 12 people or less. This ensures thatevery wine has been tasted to avoid the cloud of
conversation and dialogue will be much moreinebriation on the senses.
conducive than with a larger group.Provide some neutral flavored foods for your
Blind tasting is the most fun and informative.guests. Make sure this does not interfere or clash
Wrapping bottles in bags will negate pastwith the wine tasting. Don't serve blue cheese if
preferences and prejudices. You may be surprisedyou are tasting Pinot Blancs. Try bread or
what you "like" without access to the wine label.crackers and a mild, white cheddar or brie.
Focus on a relatively specific style of wine. WithinPaper and pencils are necessary for your guests
this framework, some variations should beto write notes and preferences. If you regularly
considered. I recently hosted a wine tasting partytaste with the same group, you may want to use
where we tasted Napa Valley Caberneta designated notebook as well as articulate some
Sauvignons.additional guidelines and procedures for the tasting
To make it more interesting, we tasted twonotes. This will create and ongoing reference point
wines from Rutherford, (valley floor) two fromand perspective as your tastes develop.
Stags Leap, (east hills) and two from Mount