{"id":855,"date":"2016-06-21T10:57:57","date_gmt":"2016-06-21T17:57:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.breakaway-tours.com\/blog\/?p=855"},"modified":"2016-06-21T10:58:33","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T17:58:33","slug":"855-2tasting-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.breakaway-tours.com\/blog\/855-2tasting-party\/","title":{"rendered":"Be the Host with the Most with a Wine Tasting Party!"},"content":{"rendered":"

So You Want to Host A Wine Tasting Party….\"blindwinesfoil\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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You love wine, and so do your friends. What could be more perfect than throwing a wine tasting party? And then the questions flood into your mental picture: What\u2019s the best format for a wine tasting party?<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re hosting your own tasting party there are a couple of things you\u2019ll do differently than a professional trade tasting (sipping vs. spitting) but the basic format is the same. Most wine tastings feature four to eight different wines that have a common theme that ties them together.<\/p>\n

Today, we\u2019ll lay out a proven tasting format and a few wine tasting party ideas that are not only useful, but a lot of fun to try!<\/p>\n

While there are a myriad of different techniques to decorate the table, if you have well-curated wines it doesn\u2019t matter how the table looks. If you select wines based on a specific theme, people will pay closer attention to what they\u2019re drinking. It also helps if you have wine tasting placemats<\/a> to write on. You can make your own or find downloads online.<\/p>\n

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Some Theme Ideas for your Party Can Include:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Regional<\/strong><\/dt>\n
This pairing focuses on wines from a specific area. Try 4 wines from Edna Valley or Adelaida District in Paso Robles.<\/dd>\n
<\/i> Varietal<\/strong><\/dt>\n
An in-depth way to understand a particular grape or varietal. Buy different price brackets of one type of wine grape (e.g. Syrah or Sauvignon Blanc)<\/dd>\n
<\/i> New World vs. Old World<\/strong><\/dt>\n
One of the classic old world vs. new world tastings is Napa Valley Merlot vs. Right Bank Bordeaux.<\/dd>\n
<\/i> Big and Bold Wines<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Compare and contrast the biggest and boldest varietals from around the world.<\/dd>\n
<\/i> Elegant Wines<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Compare and contrast the lightest red wines on earth. Find out what we mean by \u2018elegant\u2019<\/dd>\n
<\/i> Multi-Vintage<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The best way to do this is to ask for library vintages from your favorite winery.<\/dd>\n
<\/i> Price Comparative<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Crowdsource guests to spend less than $20 on a bottle of wine and blind taste them to determine everyone\u2019s favorite.<\/dd>\n
<\/i> Blind Tasting Party<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Wrap bottles in paper bags or\u00a0aluminum foil and test your tasting skills.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

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\"tastingplacemat\"<\/a>How much wine do I need for a wine tasting party<\/h3>\n

\u00bd bottle per guest.<\/p>\n

A little over a half a bottle of wine per guest is ideal. For instance, if you have an 8 person party, plan on having about 5 bottles of wine (each guest will receive a half-glass of each bottle). It won\u2019t be too much, but enough to have a great party. In my experience, its fun to start off with\u00a0an ice breaker aperitif such as Champagne or Prosecco. Nothing more festive than bubbles in your glass!<\/p>\n

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And don’t forget the best way to gather bottles for your next tasting party: Hop aboard a wine tour with Breakaway Tours & Event Planning<\/a>\u00a0and let the R&D (Research and Drink!) begin!<\/h3>\n
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