| You don't have to be a wine expert to host an | | | | wine over another, but prefer the aroma of |
| outstanding, fun and educational wine tasting | | | | another. You may also find one wine with a |
| party. This is a great way to socialize with your | | | | wonderful aroma, but it may be too bitter for |
| neighbors and friends and learn a little about wine | | | | your liking. |
| at the same time. Hosting a wine tasting party is | | | | - Sight: Examine the wine and make notes about |
| an excellent way to expand your taste buds, find | | | | the color, clarity and transparency of the wine. |
| great inexpensive wines that you enjoy and | | | | Rank the color of the wine on a scale of 1 to 10 |
| broaden you understanding of wine styles. | | | | based on your personal preferences. |
| You can focus your wine tasting party on a | | | | - Smell: Swirl the wine around in the glass to help |
| particular style or theme that may compliment | | | | awaken the aromas and take a good sniff of the |
| the dinner you will be serving later in the evening. | | | | bouquet and aroma. Rank the wine on a scale of |
| For example, if you intend on serving duck, | | | | 1 to 10 based on your personal fondness. |
| goose, roast chicken, roast beef or roast lamb | | | | - Taste: Take a small sip and roll the wine over |
| ask your guests to bring a full flavored cabernet | | | | your tongue inhaling slightly to release the full |
| sauvignon or merlot that is under $10. Setting a | | | | flavors. Different parts of the tongue register |
| price limit helps prevent that one guest from | | | | different tastes so be sure to roll the wine around |
| trying to buy the best wine by bringing the most | | | | in your mouth. Try to focus on the characteristics |
| expensive wine. Follow these simple steps for | | | | of the wine such as the body, acidity, tannin |
| each bottle to do the tasting: | | | | (bitterness), sweetness and fruitiness of the wine. |
| 1. Place each bottle of wine in a brown bag and | | | | Also be sure to focus on the aftertaste of the |
| number the bag so the guests cannot see the | | | | wine. Again, make notes on the flavors and |
| label. For a more classy approach, consider using | | | | subtleties of the wine and rate it on a scale of 1 |
| decorative wine bags to cover the bottles. | | | | to 10 based on your personal fondness. |
| 2. Prepare your table setting with glasses, | | | | 6. Once all of your guests have finished tasting |
| crackers and some water for each guest. | | | | the wine be sure to clean your glass or start with |
| Crackers or bread can be used, but they should | | | | a fresh one. Also be sure each guest cleanses |
| be of a neutral flavor. Stay away from flavored | | | | their pallet by eating a small cracker and/or |
| crackers so you can truly clear the palette. | | | | drinking a small amount of water. |
| Crackers and cheese may seem like a great idea, | | | | After you have cycled through all of the wines, |
| but it should be avoided because the cheese will | | | | have each guests finalize their notes and identify |
| actually influence the flavors of the wine. If your | | | | their most and least favorite wine for each of the |
| guests may be hungry, a nice loaf of French | | | | three senses: sight, smell and taste. Also have |
| bread can be used instead of crackers. | | | | each individual pick their all-around favorite and |
| 3. Be sure to have a separate container for those | | | | least favorite wine. Begin comparing notes for |
| guests who want to pour out the excess wine. | | | | each of the wines. Once the favorites are |
| Remember, this is about fun, education and | | | | identified by each individual, remove the bags |
| friendship. Getting intoxicated is not the objective | | | | from the wine bottles to identify the winners and |
| here and will most certainly deaden your taste | | | | losers. If serving a meal afterwards, offer your |
| buds. | | | | guests some of the wine just sampled with the |
| 4. Open the first bottle of wine and fill the glass | | | | meal. This will further expand on the tasting |
| only about 20%. For red wines, you may want | | | | process as foods are introduced to complement |
| the wine to breathe somewhat by pouring off | | | | the wines. This can be a fun and exciting way to |
| about ½ glass from each bottle. For white | | | | host a wine tasting party in your home with |
| and blush style wines you may want to chill | | | | some of your friends. |
| slightly before serving. | | | | Of course, please drink responsibly and select |
| 5. Sample the wine and rate each wine according | | | | designated drivers to ensure the safety of your |
| to the following three senses: sight, smell and | | | | guests. |
| taste. You may find that you like the look of one | | | | |