How to Run a Wine Tasting Event

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, wine is at the top of the list for many. Since ancient times, wine has been often hailed as a drink of kings, and various cultures have found their own methods of producing it. Nowadays, wine has become even more sophisticated, and has even become a status symbol. Hosting a wine tasting event can be an indication of social status; so if you want to host a wine tasting event of your own where guests can learn about new wines, you might want to consider some key steps on how to run a wine tasting event.

Limit the Number of Guests

When it comes to inviting people to the party, it is a good idea to keep the party as intimate as possible. While there is really no set limit for the people at the party, having too many guests might ruin the mood. Remember that attending a wine tasting party is supposed to be an event where friends could gather, have small talk, and enjoy fine wine. The best number for a wine tasting event is usually a dozen. Limiting your number of guests to a dozen people not only ensures that your party stays intimate, but also ensures that there are enough people to prevent the event from becoming dreary.

Create an Intimate Atmosphere

One of the main reasons why you should limit the number of guests to the event is because you want to create an intimate atmosphere. It is important to have an intimate atmosphere, because it allows you and your fellow wine enthusiasts to truly enjoy the wines without too much extraneous busyness.

Have a Set Theme

If you want your event to be a success, it pays to have a set theme for the party. Remember that the event is supposed to be as captivating as possible, so you will need to choose a set theme. If you are going to have your event in a vineyard, it is very important that you differentiate your event from that of other groups. One way to do this is to utilize event displays for the event. Displays are a great way to highlight your wines, and decorate the room as well.

Choose Quality Wines

If you are going to have a wine tasting event, it is extremely important that you invest in the quality of your wines. Remember that the main objective of this event is to taste the best wine possible. It would be such a letdown if people came to the party very excited, only for the wine to be of subpar quality. While it is not really a necessity, it is a good idea to secure the services of a sommelier, an expert on many kinds of wines. They have the knowledge to guide you on what wine goes with a meal, or what wine to choose for a specific event. You should remember though that some kinds of wine are extremely expensive;, so before the event begins, you should tell the sommelier your budget. This will give him or her the chance to choose the wine that is still good and will fit your budget.

Serve Quality Food

Aside from the wine, it is also important that you serve great food to pair it with. Remember that you should have a full stomach before you drink any liquor. The menu should not be too heavy though, and it should instead consist of finger foods. This does not mean that you should go cheap though, and this is where a sommelier can come in handy as well. Aside from knowing the best types of wine, the sommelier is also capable of creating a menu that will match your wine choices. If you are not sure about hiring a sommelier, you could never go wrong with purchasing a small assortment of cheeses and meats, and assembling your own charcuterie board. Aside from providing your guests with the right food, it is also important that you have hand sanitizers at the ready. Most wine-tasting side dishes are eaten by hand, and it is important that all your visitors sanitize their hands before eating. It is also a good idea that you don't share wine glasses during a wine tasting.

Use Quality Glassware

As you host your wine tasting event, it is very important that you use only the best quality glassware possible. If you are going to drink quality wines, then top quality wine glasses and plates should be in order too. Bring out your best glassware and other wine-tasting accouterments.

Have a Checklist Ready

If you are going to do a wine tasting event right, it is important that you have a wine tasting checklist at the ready. The wine tasting checklist should have all the necessary choices ready, and one of the signs of a truly successful wine tasting is that guests are able to taste all of the wines without getting drunk. While you and your fellow tasters could drink the wine, it is totally acceptable that you taste the wine and spit it out. This will prevent you from getting too inebriated to actually enjoy the wine.