Hosting a wine tasting is a fantastic way to explore the vast world of varietals, engage with friends, and deepen your appreciation for wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking to try something new, organizing a wine tasting can be both educational and really enjoyable. Below is a guide on how to host a wine tasting party that will leave your friends feeling knowledgeable and more prepared the next time the wine menu is passed their way. There are a number of different ways to set up a wine tasting and here I’ll focus on two of my favorite approaches: by varietal or by region.
Introduction to Wine Tasting
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to cover the basics of wine tasting to ensure all your guests, regardless of their wine knowledge, can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Briefly explain the “five S’s” of wine tasting: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor (check out this blog for the details). This will help guests appreciate the complexity and nuances of each wine they try.
Option 1: Varietal Focus
Choosing a single varietal (such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc) and selecting 4-5 examples from different countries or states is a fantastic way to explore the influence of terroir (the environment in which the grapes are grown) on wine. This approach highlights how climate, soil, and winemaking techniques can influence the taste and quality of wine made from the same grape variety.
Setting up a varietal-focused wine tasting
How to Execute
Select the Varietal
Choose a grape variety that is widely produced in various wine regions of the world. This ensures you’ll have a diverse range to pick from.
Source the Wines
Aim for a geographic spread. For instance, if you choose Pinot Noir, you might select bottles from France (Burgundy), the United States (California or Oregon), New Zealand (Central Otago), and Chile (Casablanca Valley).
Prepare Tasting Notes
Provide guests with information about each wine, including the region, winery, vintage, and wine making technique to enhance the educational aspect of your tasting.
Tasting Order
Serve lighter wines before fuller-bodied ones to allow guests to notice the nuances of the more delicate options.
Option 2: Regional Focus
Focusing on a specific wine-producing region (such as Piedmont in Italy) and selecting 4-5 varietals that highlight that location but showcase different styles offers a deep dive into the unique wine culture and tradition of that area. This method allows guests to experience the variety within a single region and understand how different grapes express themselves in the same terroir and often with the same winemaker.
Setting up a regional-focused wine tasting
How to Execute
Choose the Region
Pick a region known for its diverse varietals, such as Piedmont, which is famous for Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Moscato.
Source the Wines
Select wines that represent the region’s range, from light and fragrant to rich and full-bodied. Include both red and white wines if the region produces them.
Prepare Tasting Notes
As with the varietal approach, provide notes about each wine, focusing on the grape variety, characteristics of the region, and any unique winemaking practices.
Tasting Order
Organize the tasting to start with lighter, more delicate wines, moving towards the heavier, more complex ones. In the case of Piedmont, this might mean beginning with a Dolcetto and ending with a Barolo, offering the Moscato as a final sip since it is typically sweet and should come at the very end.
Additional Tips for a Successful Wine Tasting Party
- Palate Cleansers: Provide bread, crackers, or neutral cheese to cleanse the palate between wines.
- Water: Ensure there’s plenty of water available for guests to drink between tastings.
- Blind Tasting: For an added fun element, consider making your tasting a blind one, where guests try to guess the varietal or region of each wine based on its characteristics. A simple brown bag does the trick.
- Discussion and Notes: Encourage guests to discuss their impressions and take notes. This can spark interesting conversations and help everyone learn more about their tastes and preferences. These tasting placemats are a perfect way for your guests to keep track of their tasting notes.
Hosting a wine tasting party offers a fun way to explore the world of wine, whether you’re seeing the world through the lens of a single grape variety or diving deep into the rich wine culture of a specific region. With a little preparation and the right selection of wines, your wine tasting party is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all your guests.
