Hosting a Wine Tasting Party
How to throw your own Wine Tasting Party - Great for the Holidays, New Year's Eve or any Special Occasion.
Learn how to throw an exquisite wine tasting party your friends will rave about from Toronto sommelier Anne Martin.
Wine Tasting Party How-To's
Lupus Ontario recently held a lively benefit at the Summerhill LCBO (liquor control board of Ontario for anyone out there saying “huh?”) featuring tasty treats from celebrity chef Donna Dooher with wine pairings by Toronto Sommelier Anne Martin. I asked Anne about how one would throw the ultimate wine-tasting evening and she rose the challenge effortlessly.
“A wine tasting party is a great way to start a party because it really gives people something to talk about; it’s a wonderful icebreaker. Plus, it’s fun and educational,” says Anne.
Here’s how to get started on your own memorable Wine Tasting Party:
Wines
- Choose five wines of different grape varieties and try to select food items that will complement your wine selection. A good rule of thumb: keep flavours as straight forward as possible.
- Have enough wine for approximately 1 ½ ounces per tasting sample (1 bottle usually serves 10 tasting samples) and a few extra bottles for drinking after the tasting is finished. Note: People usually like to further enjoy the wines they just tasted. Also, have some extra food on hand as well. Cheese platters are a perennial favourite.
Wine Varietal Suggestions - 2 whites and 3 reds such as:
- Riesling or Pinot Grigio
- Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- Gamay or Pinot Noir
- Italian Chianti or Valpolicella Ripasso
- New World Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Shiraz OR Zinfandel
- Set up tables with a chair for each person, as everyone should sit for the duration of the tasting (Note: try to have no more than 20 people or the intimacy is lost).
Party Prep:
- Supply wine glasses (one per person will do – they can dump out what they don’t drink before the next wine is poured). Discourage rinsing with water as this will dilute the wine. A “wine” rinse is best.
- Provide tasting sheets: list the wines being poured, accompanied by notes on the grape varieties. A little research here goes a long way in adding to the fun.
- Remember to include: pens, dump buckets, wine & water glasses, paper napkins and some plain French bread or water crackers to cleanse the palate.
Food:
- Choose foods that will pair nicely with the wines - hors d’oeuvres style or a tasting menu of sorts are fun. Serve the appropriate item with the chosen wine once the wine has been poured. You want to ensure that your guests’ palate is clean to maximize the experience of the suggested wine and food match.
- If you really want to treat yourself and your guest, hire a sommelier!
Safety First:
- Encourage your guests to take taxis in order that they can relax and really appreciate the evening!
For more wine offerings, tips and suggesitons, check out Jen Miner's Best Winter Wine Picks.
Looking for some great recipes to pair with your vinos? Check out:
- Chef Gurth Pretty's Crepe and Smoked Salmon Appetizer
- Stephanie Gallagher's Latke recipe
- June Chua's Festive Asian Appetizers
- And finish off with Leslie's Key Lime Pie
