How to Host a Wine Tasting Party This Summer

Summer is the time when people love to gather. Everyone can sit down to enjoy the company of others. What’s a better way to catch up with your closest friends than with a wine tasting party? You’ll probably want some tips if you’ve never hosted a wine tasting before. Here’s how to host a wine tasting party this summer.

The More Intimate the Guest List, the Better

When it comes to hosting a wine tasting party, you should keep the guest list small and intimate. Ten or fewer is the preferred number to aim for. The small guest list allows people to engage in riveting conversation and freely discuss the different types of wine .

A smaller party also means you won’t need to purchase duplicates of every wine. Ensure you pour about two ounces of wine for each guest to begin with. And don’t forget the spit buckets. Not everyone wants to become tipsy, nor should you want them if they are driving.

The Food You Serve Matters

The food you serve should go with the wine you’re providing for the tasting. Ensure the guests know what delicious items you’ll have to munch on during the party. You should also ask if your friends have any allergies so that you can accommodate them.

If you want to get really fancy, serve a few different food items alongside the same wine. Guests can observe how the various chocolates, cheeses and fruits react with the wine. It’s a wonderful lesson in wine and food pairing.

Store and Serve the Wine Properly

You can’t leave every wine bottle on your counter and serve it at room temperature. Not every wine type will taste right when served this way. For a quick point of reference:

• Reds: 55–65 degrees Fahrenheit
• Whites: 40–50 degrees Fahrenheit
• Bubbles: 40–45 degrees Fahrenheit

RELATED: 6 Tips for Serving and Storing Wine

Now that you understand proper storage, it’s time to discuss the serving order. Yes, there is a correct serving order for wines, and it looks like this:

• Bubbles
• Light whites
• Rich whites
• Rosés
• Light reds
• Bold reds
• Dessert wines

Grab the Necessary Supplies

You’ll need a few more supplies than wine glasses. As discussed earlier, spit buckets are essential at every wine tasting party. Ensure that you have water for everyone at the party.

Plus, each guest at the table should have access to palate cleansers, such as plain bread and crackers. Ensure there are enough pens and paper for everyone to take notes. The wine glasses you choose should be clear and you must always have extra on hand.

Do you feel ready to host a wine tasting party this summer? The above guidelines will ensure the gathering goes off without a hitch. Who knows, maybe this will become a seasonal ritual with your friends.

This story originally appeared in Cuisine Noir Magazine