Curious Parents Party Resources

Brought to you by the Web's most popular destination for inspired parenting.

sponsored by

Easy Tips for Hosting a Wine-Tasting Event

Help !

     Its appeal is ageless, its popularity knows no geographical boundaries, and its history is storied. It is wine, a drink that links generations.

     Today, people are upholding the tradition of wine but adding a decidedly new twist. As a variation on the cocktail party, wine-tasting parties are becoming an increasingly popular way to entertain friends.

     On average, wine parties are mid-sized -- about 15 people. The host can either supply the bottles (about a half a bottle per attendee) or have guests bring their own bottles. Soft music is often played in the background, and light fare is served.

     Before tasting each wine, either the host or a knowledgeable guest can say a few introductory words. Then guests mingle as they taste each wine and pen their opinions on scorecards.

     Wines should be arranged on the table by number. Sometimes, wine-tasting parties are held without the guests knowing what wines they're drinking. Wines are hidden in numbered bags. The guest able to identify the most number of wines can win a gift -- like a bottle of wine or wineglass charms.

     Dinner sometimes follows wine-tastings, especially if the event is held at a vineyard or restaurant. If held at home, wine-tasting kits can be purchased on the Internet for about $60. The kit comes with a guidebook containing complete instructions for hosting a good party, informative posters, wine bottle bags, scorecards and even a designated driver guide.

     At the party, lighter, simpler and younger wines should be served first, and white wines should be poured before red wines. In either case, parties can be modified by selecting a theme, like "Italian Wines."

     The two main types of wine -- red and white -- are served slightly differently. For red wines, pour half a glass from the bottle to allow for more surface area, enabling the wine to "breath" better and improve its taste. For the same reason, keep corks out of red wine bottles. For white and blush wines, chill them first and serve in smaller glasses.

     Now you're ready to party. Follow this checklist to make sure you have all the items you need:

• Pitchers of room temperature water
• Lint-free cloths to clean glasses between wines
• Unsalted crackers and French bread, which can be eaten to cleanse the palate between wines (Other light food, like olives and cheese to complement Italian wines, can also be served.)
• At least one wineglass for each guest and a separate glass for water
• Corkscrew
• A spittoon or a tall glass container like a vase if guests choose to spit out their wine after each taste
• Pens and paper for guests to write their opinions of each wine
• Ice bucket
• Wine stoppers

Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics