Wine Tasting Party Ideas

Money is, for most of us, kind of tight these days. We're opting to stay in instead of going out. The term "staycation" - meaning a vacation at home - is creeping into mainstream use. The surprising thing is that many of us are finding ways to have fun that we never realized were in our own back yards! What's a great way to get a bunch of your friends together for an evening at home? How about a wine tasting party?

A wine tasting party doesn't have to be a stuffy affair with everyone in black. Keep it light. Have each of your guests bring a bottle of wine and you supply a couple as well. Set up a nice assortment of cheeses, fruits, breads, nuts, etc. and you're ready to go. Playing a little slow jazz in the background is strictly optional.

What kind of wine should you get? You have a wealth of options. You can start with one type of wine in different brands. Have a blindfolded taste test to see which one is preferred by most of your guests. Pinot Grigio is lovely, but I never knew exactly which Pinot Grigio I liked best until I did a taste test. You can also have blindfolded guests name the wines they taste and give prizes to the one who gets the most correct answers. A fun prize in theme with the evening is a wine tote bag, and if there's a little more room in you're budget you can include a bottle of wine with the tote.

You may also enjoy hosting a themed party. Choose wines from a certain region or country or select a particular grape as your theme. If you're going to choose a specific type of wine though, you will want to pair it with the right cheese. It takes a moment to do a quick internet search if you're not sure. What you'll probably find is that you get the opportunity to not only explore new wines, but new cheeses as well! Set up a little card with the name of the cheese by the plate so your friends can ask and learn more about it.

If you're concerned that you don't know much about wines and so feel a little foolish about hosting a wine tasting, don't worry. It's not only a fun mixer for you and your friends it's an opportunity to learn more about wine. It gives you the perfect opportunity to talk to a sommelier or wine merchant, most of the time they are more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge with you. Your friends may have some wonderful wine tasting party ideas as well. Consider co-hosting a party with a friend.

Whatever wine party ideas you choose, remember to relax and have fun. Spending time with friends is the important part. Cheers!