Learn how to sniff, swirl, and sip and know what to prepare for your wine tasting party.

Hosting a wine tasting party can be daunting the first time but these simple reminders will make your little party with friends look effortless.

1. Choose Your Wine

You can prepare up to five different kinds of wine. My last wine party included Basi Maria from Basi del Diablo and the brand’s crisp white wine Basidina. I had my other favourite brands in the list too.

If you would like to have a theme, you can select vintages that come from the same region or choose a selection from different parts of the world. You have free reign on this.

Don’t get too excited and get more than five kinds though because too many kinds will overwhelm the palette –yours and that of your guests.

2. Get Enough Wine For Your Party

Get two bottles of each –one for tasting and one for drinking later on. This is the rule of thumb for six guests.

3. Get Coasters

For hosts who want to go all out for their wine tasting party, you can make your own coasters. But if you don’t want to go through all that hassle, you can just buy coasters from the store.

4. Prepare Snacks

You can prepare different types of cheeses for your party. You can also add pistachios, mixed olives, chocolate, dried fruit, breadsticks, and a charcuterie platter.

5. Choose Your Music

Wine tastes better with good music playing in the background. You can play classical music or play songs the likes of “Sophisticated Lady” by Thelonious Monk.

6. Enjoy

Notes

Wondering which wine to serve first? Go by the colour. Light to dark is the rule here.