How To Throw a Wine-Tasting Party

Provide the proper glasses. White wine glasses are smaller than red wine glasses, which have more of a bowl shape. Have paper cups on hand that guests can use as spittoons.

Chill white wines for about an hour before serving; you don’t want them too cold. Serve the red wine at cellar, not room, temperature, which is 55 to 58 degrees. If the reds have been sitting in a warm room, stick them in the fridge for a few minutes.

Have plain crackers or bread on hand, as well as water, so that guests can clear their palates between tastings. Hold off on serving food until the tasting is completed.

Provide tasting sheets and pencils so everyone can take notes as they sip.

Pour everyone about a third of a glass of the first wine. If you’re serving reds and whites, start with whites, moving from the lightest bodied wines to the fullest.

Note the color – a white wine should be clear, a full-bodied red should have a deep, rich color.

Encourage your guests to swirl the wine in their glass and take a big sniff of the aroma. Compare notes on what you detect, like fruity, spicy, herbal, floral, or earthy scents.

Instruct guests to take a sip, take a little air into their mouth, and then swirl the wine around in their mouth for about 10 seconds before swallowing or spitting. You are now the proud host of a successful wine-tasting party!