Why Not Have a Wine Tasting at Home?
Even if you are not a sommelier or a vintage aficionado, hosting a wine tasting is easier than you think with a little planning and forethought. Here's a basic checklist from us at Wine Channel TV to have on hand as you prepare to invite other wine lovers into your abode:
Do The Math. A good rule of thumb is to limit the number of attendees to no more than eight, with a like number of wines. Anything larger than that becomes unmanageable, and groups will start to splinter off and lose focus.
Check for Water Spots. Make sure everyone has a good glass, two preferably, so they can switch off between wines. Maybe consider in investing in some of the creative wine charms on the market to distinguish one person's from another's. Go easy on the pours -- 2 ounces max, enough that they can swirl and sip. There will be plenty to go around after the tasting's over, so don't worry about appearing ungenerous.
Ye Olde Spittoons. Remember, this is a tasting, and lest everyone retire for a nap it is best advised to spit after you sip, so provide receptacles. Remind everyone they are there to learn first.
Cleansing the palates. It is helpful to many to sample a cracker or piece of bread in between wines, not essential, but many appreciate it. Remember to keep it on the bland side (no garlic bread sticks here). On that note, keep the fragrances in the room to a minimum, including air fresheners or candles, so as not to compete with the bouquets of the wine.
Keep it under wraps. Impart an air of mystery while encouraging participants to engage all their senses by camouflaging the wines. This is as simple as placing the bottle in a brown paper bag (chuckle, chuckle) and cinched at the top with twine, or as elaborate as the faux-velvet wine bags available at stores. Number each one and provide your attendees with notepads and pens to record their observations about each. When all is said and done, unveil your selections and TA DA! -- the big reveal.
Go the extra mile. When the tasting is over, treat your guests to a meal. After all, it's all about pairing the wine with food at the end of the day. It doesn't have to be straight out of the pages of Gourmet, just a couple of appropriate dishes that bring out the best in the wines.
Say cheese! Now that all of your guests have wine teeth (assuming you're serving reds), be sure to take a group pic and send us your best shot. Cheers!
You have a have a professional wine tasting right at home.
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