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First, you will want to decide on the type of wine
to serve. You might choose all white or red, or even
sparkling wine. However, the best wine tasting parties
have a sampling of wines in order to awaken the taste
buds and to exhibit new wines to your friends. If you
do decide to offer a variety of wines at your wine tasting
then always start with sparkling wine first if that
is on your list. This is the best way to prime guests'
taste buds for the subsequent wines to be offered. Also,
lighter wines should always be served first followed
by fuller body wines. By doing this each wine may be
enjoyed for its flavor without being overpowered by
the previous wine. Also, your theme for your wine party
will likely influence the types of wine you provide.
Some great wine party themes include wines from Italy,
wines from California, Merlots, white wines, and the
like. If you host lots of wine tasting parties you might
also like a "bring your favorite wine" night. This way
each guest may bring their personal favorite wine and
taste the favorites of others. Doing this allows people
a great introduction into some really great wines that
may not be known for their location or year, but simply
for their great taste. There are plenty of wine tasting
ideas, so open up your creative side and come up with
a theme that best represents the wines you plan on serving
as well as your guests.
While wine is the mainstay of the party, you will also
want to provide hors d'ouvres as well. Cheeses, meats,
crackers, olives and bread are always great additions
that complement wine tasting parties. There are a wide
variety of hors d'ouvres you might select, just make
sure they complement the wines you plan on serving.
The foods you serve are important, and the way you serve
the wine is important as well to get the full effect
of the wine tasting.
Always provide clear wine glasses at your wine tasting
so guests may hold their glass of wine up to the light
and see its clarity and coloring. A wine tasting should
explore the senses of taste, sight and smell. Holding
the glass up to the light is a way to incorporate sight
and smell should be incorporated by swirling the wine
as it is lifted close to your face. By swirling the
wine you will smell the wine's bouquet and enjoy its
aroma. Take a deep breath and enjoy the aroma. Next
you should take a small swallow of the wine and roll
it around in your mouth. Feel the texture of the wine
on your tongue and notice all of the flavors and whether
the wine is dry or sweet. Also, notice whether the wine
is full bodied or not and the different flavors of the
wine. Since you are hosting a wine party you should
provide small booklets where guests can record the wine
they are tasting and the different properties and rate
what they enjoyed about the wine.
When you follow these simple steps your wine tasting party is sure to be a hit and everyone will enjoy themselves and certainly find new wines they enjoy.
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