21Jun
Host a Wine Tasting Party
This is the time to host a wine tasting party! Now that social distancing guidelines are relaxing everyone is eager to get out and have fun with their friends.
This step by step guide on how to plan a tasting will guarantee everyone has a fabulous time. You don't need to be a wine expert. The idea is to relax with friends.
Assign each person or couple to bring a bottle of wine. Have them cover the bottle with paper or foil for a blind tasting. Blind tastings add intrigue to the evening. Make the wine tasting a pot luck. Friends will be happy to provide an appetizer, entree, or dessert.
Select a theme. A theme will set the mood for conversation. The tasting could focus on sampling one particular varietal of wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, or whatever you decide. If you sample wines from a specific region or country such as Italy or France, the appetizers can also be from that region.
Since everyone is always searching for a great everyday wine, you might consider tasting wines under a certain price. There are great wines to be found under $20, $15, or whatever amount you choose.
Do expensive wines really taste better? An interesting take on this idea is to buy both bargain wines and more expensive wines. Guests can be challenged to guess which wines are the bargain and which are the more expensive.
Identify the Wine. If your guests are familiar with wine, you could provide different varitels of wine and have them guess which wine is which. Descriptions of each varietal could be provided to assist them.
Things You Need to Throw a Wine Tasting Party
One bottle of wine will serve a 2 ounce taste for up to 12 people. Plan on tasting a total of five or six different wines during the event. It's overwhelming to sample too many. Serve the wine in clear wine glasses with stems. People should be able to see the wine. Guests should hold the glasses by the stem so that they do not affect the temperature of the wine.
Provide pitchers of water and dump buckets. These can be used to rinse the glasses between wines and some guests may have leftover wine they want to dump. Plain crackers should be available so tasters can cleanse their palate between wines. Print off simple wine scoring sheets and provide pens for each guests to evaluate the wines.
Feed Your Guests
It's a good idea to feed your guests when they first arrive. You don't want them drinking wine on an empty stomach. Avoid strong flavored foods that will interfere with the flavors of the wine. This means no spicy foods, strong-flavored cheeses, or salty dishes (although they can be served after the tasting of the wines is concluded).
Wine Tasting Dos
White wines should be chilled two to three hours in the refrigerator before serving. Red wines can be served at room temperature, but you could put them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator an hour before serving to open and let them decant.
Number wines in the order you want to taste them. White wines should be tasted before red wines. Light wines go before heavy wines and dry wines before sweet wines. However, don't stress over this. Everyone will be having fun and won't even notice if the order isn't perfect.
Take time to discuss the wines. Ask each guests to share their thoughts about the wines. Serve dessert, beverages, or even additional wine for your friends to enjoy after the tasting is over. I bet your friends will have a blast and be eager to come again next time you host a wine tasting party.
08Jun
Basic Wine Information You Need to Know
This basic wine information covers what everybody ought to know about wine. Some of the topics are meant for those who are new to the world of wine. However, experienced drinkers may be able to learn a few things as well.
Types of Wine
Learn about different types of red and white wine. Great basic wine information for beginning wine drinkers. Find descriptions for each wine, suggested wine and food pairings, and more!
Guide to Tasting Wine
Have you ever wondered exactly what you are suppose to do when you taste wine? Learn the 5 basic steps to tasting wine.
This guide will walk you through each step and you’ll soon be tasting wine like the pros!
Save Money With a Winery Pass
The winery pass is a small card the size of a credit card. It entitles you and one other guest to discounts on wine tasting and purchases at participating wineries.
There are many other benefits including help planning your wine tasting itinerary and discounts on at restaurants and hotels. Check it out!
How to Throw a Wine Tasting Party
Health Benefits of Wine
Is wine actually good for you? The answer is, “Yes!” There’s lots of research providing proof that there really are health benefits from drinking red wine. Some red wines are better for you than others. Discover which wines are actually better for you and why.
Wine Labels
When shopping for a bottle of wine, pay close attention to the wine label. There are lots of things you can learn about the wine by reading the label. Much of the information printed on wine labels are regulated by laws. Find out more about labels by clicking on this link.
Food and Wine Pairing
Have you ever wondered which wine you should serve with a particular meal? This guide will help you select the perfect wine and add to your wine knowledge. The perfect guide for someone just getting started drinking wine.
Wine Clubs
Wines clubs are a wonderful way to purchase wine. You’ll discover lots of great wines usually at a discounted price and they’ll be delivered right to your doorstep. Even better, join the wine club of a winery near your home. Wineries usually host fun events throughout the year that are for wine club members only!
Red Wine Vs. White Wine
Some people have a definite preference for either red wine or white wine. Other people enjoy both wines. Find out how red wine and white are the same and how they are different.
Recipes Using Wine
Cooking with wine is so much fun! Wine enhances the flavor of the food, improving the flavor of the dish. Enjoy these recipes that have wine as one of the ingredients and see for yourself.
Wine Events
Keep track of wine events throughout California with this list of upcoming events. Learn about upcoming special tastings, wine festivals, dinners, grape stomps, and more. This information is constantly updated so check back often.
Wine Apps
Check out the best wine apps and download them quickly from this site all about apps. You’ll find apps for your iPhone, iPad, or android cell phone.