Wine Tasting Party

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love... Wine!!

Have you ever wanted to host a wine tasting party but did not know where to start? 

You may be asking yourself the following questions -  HOW  do I start; WHAT is the theme;  HOW much wine do I need? No worries! Read on.....

A wine tasting party is a great way to do something fun with family, friends and bring your neighbours together. All you need is some wines, a little bit of knowledge and the will to try something different and of course FUN. 

Here are some steps to help you prepare for the evening.

Theme – There are many themes. Everything from the country, type of grape or will it be just red or just white. Our tasting was close to the holiday season so I made it “wines for the holiday season”. The type of wines ranged from Sparkling to Port. Then we threw in a game with each wine. The guest was to “guess the price point” of each wine poured. 

Food – Should you provide food or snacks? We were having our tasting later in the evening, so we provided cheese and crackers.  The wine was paired with cheese at which point we put a picture of the wine label with the cheese. The pictures were the same as the photos that accompany my tasting notes below.  We simply cut out the photo and we taped it back to back on a tooth pick. I recommend light snacks, bread and coffee for the end of the evening. 

Wine Pairing Labels for Cheese

Some Cheese on offer

Having Tasting Cards - These cards should have type of wine, vineyard, the year and a brief description of the wine (here is a hint   - check out the back of the wine bottle). Have space for your guest to record appearance, aroma, flavor, and record there own notes. Don't forget a pen for each guest.

Tasting Cards we made for tasting

Inside of Tasting Card

How much wine - you can base this on 1/2 a bottle per person. Remember to drink responsiblitiy. Provide a key bucket at the front door for your guest plus a number to a reliable cab company.

Other items to consider-

• Wine Glasses - one to two wine glasses per guest (I like to have one for white wine and one for red wine)
• Pitcher of Water - rinsing glasses or to cleanse the palate
• Dump bucket - your guest may not like all the wines
• Invitations - can be done by e-vite or drop off an invitation in the mail or email
• Have lots of fun

Tasting Notes from wines at my tasting: 

Cava Segura Viudas Brut Reserva BCLS -158493
On the nose - yeast, toast, Citrus; On the palate - biscuits, some pineapple flavour, Citrus, dry, rich,  medium body with a long creamy finish. Pop open a bottle with friends. This Cava is well priced at $16.99

Devils Rock Riesling – BCLS - 149559

Produced in the Pfalz Region of Germany. This Riesling is off dry making it fresh and crisp. Nose has some sweet peach, and apple. Palate has a hint of sweetness with lemon and grapefruit. Enjoy with your turkey dinner or Asian Take out. A good everyday wine for $13.00. (Note label on wine has changed since this photo)

La Pierrelee Chablis – BCLS 359844 
A nice example of a Chardonnay from Chablis. On the nose - green apple, lemon and spice.  Palate – butter, citrus, white peach and some minerality, medium body with a nice finish. Chili a bottle to share with friends. A well priced Chablis for $28.00

Undurraga Sibaris Reserva Pinot Noir - BCLS -761205
This Chilean Pinot Noir was Voted best light and medium red for 2014 by Vanmag. On the Nose - red fruit, cherry with a hint of leather. Palate - Cherry, cedar and some herb with a nice finish. Have this wine with your Christmas lamb or on a Saturday night with Mushroom Risotto. A great everyday wine for $15.99

McWatters Collection - Meritage - BCLS - 303024
“Harry McWatters namesake collection Meritage is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon 44% (from 3 different clones), Merlot 32% (from 2 different clones) and 24% Cabernet Franc all from the Sundial Vineyard on Black Sage Bench in Oliver.”- Wine Scores

This wine has  a great aroma – Black cherries, leather, and earth; On the palate – coffee, chocolate, and cassis with a long finish. This wine  should be served with steak or firm cheese. This wine is limited and if you find it at your favour wine store pick up a couple.

Amarone Classico – BCLS - 44784 

Amarone is made from grapes that are dried before fermentation (100 days losing around 40% of original weight). This creates an intense flavoured wine. Amarone is produced in the Vento region of Italy. Made from grapes of the region – Corvina, Rondinella and on occasion Molinara

On the nose – Dark Cherry, Chocolate, oregano, and a hint of smoke; Palate – Cherries, bittersweet chocolate, and sweet raisin. This wine is very good on its own or with a nice Italian meal of Osso Bucco. This Amarone is priced at $40.00 

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottle Vintage Port - BCLS - 289603
Once the wine is produced it is fortified by adding neutral grape spirit known as “aquardente” to stop the fermentation, which leaves residual sugar and boost the alcohol content.

On the nose – caramel, ripe fruit, and dried nut; Palate – Honey, figs , raisins and burnt toffee with a rich smooth sweet finish. Grab a glass and your partner then curl up in front of a big roaring fire. You should be able to find this gem in your local BCLS for $26.00

Have fun organizing your wine tasting event!
I would like to know how it went! Send me a quick note at bottle2glass@gmail.com or reply on this post.

Ciao for now!!