No matter what you decide about wine themes, menu planning and other party specifics, just follow our simple “Wine Tasting Party Primer” for stress-free tips guaranteed to help you orchestrate a seamless get-together that is as much fun for you as it is for your guests.
She offers tips for shaking up your taste buds: have fun, use your resources and don’t be shy!
Involve your friends. Turn friendly get-togethers into low-key wine tasting parties. This can be as basic as asking everyone to bring a favorite bottle that they’d like to introduce to others. Or, Singh suggests setting fun simple themes to guide guests’ wine selections. Host an “around the world” themed party and ask everyone to bring a wine from a different country. You’ll have a great time, and learn something in the meantime.
Buy by the glass. When dining out, make a point to try ordering unusual wines by the glass. Not only is this a low-risk way to sample new varieties, it also offers you the opportunity to choose a different wine for each course. "Ask your server for suggestions and don’t be afraid to ask for a taste first," urges Singh.
Bring your own. "B.Y.O. restaurants are a great, affordable opportunity to sample new wines," says Singh. "Even if you’re just going out for a bite of Chinese food, bring along a nice, crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that will taste good with just about anything on the menu." Keep your wine pantry stocked with affordable bottles to have wine at-the-ready.
Ask, ask, ask. Many people feel intimidated by the “experts” at wine shops, but the truth is that most people who are knowledgeable and passionate about wine LOVE sharing their knowledge and passion with others. "Don't be shy about setting a price point and describing wines you’ve enjoyed in the past to guide their recommendations," advises Singh
Take advantage of freebies. Have you ever sampled food while you were grocery shopping? No big deal, right? Sampling wine at a wine shop or grocery store is exactly the same thing. Take advantage of these offerings and the approachable staff on-hand to help guide you through the wine offerings and you might just find your new favorite weeknight wine.
Watch for restaurant samples. As wine tasting gains popularity, many restaurants are now hosting special "wine nights" featuring discounts on by-the-glass wines, pre-selected flights of wine or specially designed tasting menus. Keep an eye out for similar specials at your favorite dining spots.
Keep talking about it. Friends and family are some of the best places to turn for wine recommendations. "Start an e-mail circle with friends or family who share your interest in wine," suggests Singh. "When one of you samples a bottle or a wine and food pairing that you absolutely love, you’ll be sure to share your find with the group."
Courtesy of Wine Market Council. For more information, visit www.wineanswers.com