How to Host a Wine Tasting Party: The Basics

Party planning can be a daunting task. There’s the food, the music, the décor… and then what if there is a lull or your guests aren’t mingling like you had hoped? Hosting a wine tasting party is the perfect way to ensure that your guests are entertained and have something to talk about throughout the night. Today, Ashley Pepitone of Camp Makery shares her best tips for hosting a successful wine tasting party!

Wine Tasting Essentials 

To host a memorable wine tasting party, having the right essentials in place is crucial. These key items will help ensure your event runs smoothly and that guests enjoy every sip of the experience. 

• Wine Selection: Choose a variety of wines that fit your theme or focus, offering a range of flavors and styles for guests to enjoy. 

• Tasting Glasses: Use quality glasses that enhance the wine’s aroma and taste, with different types for reds, whites, and sparkling wines. 

• Wine Opener: Have a reliable corkscrew or wine key to open bottles effortlessly and efficiently. 

• Spittoons: Provide spittoons for guests to use if they wish to taste multiple wines without consuming too much. 

• Tasting Sheets: Offer tasting sheets or scorecards for guests to note their impressions of each wine. 

• Water and Palate Cleansers: Keep water and light snacks like bread or crackers available to cleanse the palate between tastings. 

• Pouring Pitcher: Use a pouring pitcher for controlled and elegant serving of wine. 

• Wine Storage: Store wine at the appropriate temperature before serving to maintain its quality. 

• Food: Provide a selection of complementary foods, such as cheeses and charcuterie, to pair with the wines and enhance the tasting experience. 

Planning Your Wine Tasting Party 

Creating a successful wine tasting party starts with a thoughtful approach to theme, timing, and invitations. Nail these details, and you’ll set the stage for a great event.  

Decide on a Theme or Focus 

Choosing a theme is a great way to add a unique twist to your wine tasting party. You could explore regional wines from a specific country or area, dive into varietal-specific tastings like all Pinot Noirs or Sauvignon Blancs, or even compare different vintages of the same wine to see how they’ve evolved. Pick a theme that aligns with your guests’ interests and knowledge level—whether they’re seasoned wine aficionados or just getting started, a well-chosen theme can make the event more engaging and enjoyable. 

Further Reading: How to Host a Blind Wine Tasting Party 

Send Invitations 

Inviting your guests is the next step, and there are a couple of ways to go about it. Digital invitations are quick and easy, but a classy printed invite can add a special touch. Be sure to include all the important details: the theme of the wine tasting, the date and time, and any specific instructions, like what to expect or how to prepare. A well-crafted invite sets the tone and gets your guests excited for the event! 

The Guest List: 

 It’s nice to have a good mix of wine knowledge. Don’t shy away from inviting some friends who are avid wine enthusiasts as well as those who are more on the novice level. Those who know more about the different varietals will be excited to share their knowledge, naturally sparking good conversation! 

The Best Wine Tasting Food

Keep it simple but sufficient. Time your party to begin after dinner so guests aren’t expecting a full meal and come with something in their stomachs, but provide a decent sized spread. Stick with finger foods and small plates so that guests are encouraged to mingle and try different flavors with different wines. Cover the gamut of savory to sweet- even if the sweets are just a beautiful tray of truffles. It is fascinating to discover how different wines pair with foods! Some of our favorites include:

• Cheese Platter 

• • Cheeses like Brie, Gouda, and Cheddar offer diverse flavors and textures that pair well with both white and red wines, enhancing their versatility. 

• • Best with: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon 

• Charcuterie Board 

• • Rich and savory meats like Prosciutto, Salami, and Soppressata balance well with the complexity of red wines, making them a great complement. 

• • Best with: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon  
  • Check our our blog on how to make the perfect charcuterie and wine board!

• Olives 

• • The briny and salty bite of olives contrasts nicely with the crisp, refreshing notes of white wines, brightening and enhancing the wine’s flavor. 

• • Best with: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris  

• Stuffed Mushrooms 

• • Savory, umami-rich stuffed mushrooms are well-suited for wines with good acidity and body, balancing and complementing their rich flavors. 

• • Best with: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 

• Bruschetta 

• • The fresh tomato and basil topping on bruschetta enhances the light, zesty flavors of white wines, creating a refreshing pairing. 

• • Best with: Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc 

• Smoked Salmon 

• • The rich, smoky flavor of smoked salmon pairs excellently with crisp and acidic white wines or sparkling wines, balancing its complexity. 

• • Best with: Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc

• Mini Quiches
  • The hearty, flavorful bite of mini quiches pairs well with versatile wines, as their richness complements both white and lighter red wines. 

• • Best with: Chardonnay, Sparkling Wine, Pinot Noir  

• Crostini with Goat Cheese
  • Tangy, creamy goat cheese on crostini contrasts beautifully with the crispness of white wines, offering a balanced and harmonious tasting experience. 

• • Best with: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 

• Dark Chocolate 

• • The intense, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate enhance the depth and complexity of bold wines, creating a rich and satisfying pairing. 

• • Best with: Port, Cabernet Sauvignon 

Hosting a wine tasting party is the perfect way to ensure that your guests are entertained and have something to talk about throughout the night.

Preparing Your Space 

Getting your space ready is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable wine tasting experience. 

Set Up Tasting Stations

Arrange your tasting stations with care to keep things organized and accessible. Use separate tables or areas for each type of wine, equipped with glasses and tasting notes. This setup allows guests to sample at their own pace and ensures a smooth flow throughout the event. 

The Ambiance

You want to have some music playing in the background, but nothing distracting. I love Spotify for automatic playlists that take care of the thinking for you! I personally like the “Cocktail Party Jazz” station for this type of event. As far as décor, keep the lighting a little lower than usual, but not too dark! You want your guests to be able to see the color of their wines.

Prepare Tasting Materials 

Have all essential tasting materials ready to ensure a seamless event. Provide enough wine glasses, spittoons, and napkins, and use tasting sheets for guests to jot down their notes. Clearly label each wine and place its information where it’s easy to see, so guests can easily follow along and discuss their impressions. 

Selecting the Right Wines

Of course, the most important component! When serving your wines, the general rule of thumb is to go from white to red, dry to sweet, light to heavy, and young to old and if you’re pouring anything sparkling, save that for the finale. A general example would be as follows:

1. Pinot Gris – A crisp and light white to start things off. 
2. Sauvignon Blanc – Slightly more complex with vibrant acidity. 
3. Chardonnay – Richer and fuller, introducing more body. 
4. Pinot Noir – A light red to begin the red wine segment. 
5. Merlot – Smooth and approachable, bridging lighter reds to heavier options. 
6. Shiraz / Syrah – Spicy and robust, adding depth and bold flavors. 
7. Cabernet Sauvignon – A classic full-bodied red to round out the reds. 
8. Champagne/Sparkling – A refreshing and celebratory end to the tasting. 

How Much Wine Do You Need 

When it comes to wine for your tasting party, a bit of planning goes a long way. Aim for about half a bottle per person if the tasting is the main event—this should cover plenty of sipping and savoring. If it’s more of a casual gathering, a quarter bottle per guest usually does the trick.

Keep your pours on the small side so that your guests are able to appreciate each wine fully. Be sure to provide non alcoholic options as well, such as fruit-infused waters to use as palate cleansers and to keep everyone hydrated. And, of course, it’s always a good idea to have a little extra on hand, just in case your guests are more enthusiastic than expected!

Make Your Wine Tasting a Hit with La Crema 

For a wine tasting that your guests will rave about, include some La Crema in the mix. From lively Chardonnays to elegant Pinot Noirs and beyond, La Crema’s wine portfolio has something for everyone. Skip the store and order online to have them delivered straight to you—easy and effortless. 

SHOP ALL WINE