Tips for Hosting a Wine Tasting Party

December 13, 2017

A fun way to learn more about the many different wine varieties there is to choose from, and to figure out whether you’re a red or white fan, is to throw a wine tasting party! Get friends together, and choose whether everyone brings a bottle, or you supply the lot. We want to help with planning so we’ve put together some tips below.

Shop over 900+ British Columbia VQA wines, including 250 chilled, at select BC Save-On-Foods stores. Click here to view a list of locations. To learn more about British Columbia wines and the VQA distinction, visit Wine BC.

    1. Choose a Theme

  • You could choose a single variety and have your guests bring a bottle of that variety from various regions to compare.
  • Or you could choose a value – It’s always great to find a new favourite wine at a great price point.
  • Maybe choose a style of wine, for example dry whites, or bold reds.
  • Picking a certain region is another interesting option (local British Columbia VQA is always a great idea).
  • A random or blind tasting can also be a lot of fun! Drop by your nearest Save-On-Foods Wine Store location and ask our helpful wine associates to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

    2. Stock the Necessary Supplies

It’s always a good idea to have two wine glasses per person if possible, although one is fine if that’s all you have. Depending on how much your guests might consume, its good plan for around one bottle of wine per person as some may want to have an additional glass if it’s something they really enjoyed, and having a little extra is never a bad thing.

Palate cleansers are important to ensure you get the true taste every time. Try some Western Family Water Crackers. Always have water on hand and provide your guests with pens and paper so that they can take notes to ensure they don’t forget which bottle is their new favourite!

    3. Serve the Right Food

It’s a good idea to have some specific foods that pair well with wine to see how they interact with the flavours. Good options to include are bitter chocolate, salted nuts, something with an acidic lemon flavor, and a creamy cheese.

We’ve put together a list of some great appetizers to serve at your next tasting party:

Cheese Board with Pear Chutney

Charcuterie Board

Cranberry Balsamic Baked Brie

Mini Mediterranean Layered Dips

Chocolate Pomegranate Bark