Blog Layout

How to Host a Summer Wine Tasting Party!

Summer is in full swing, and you’ve likely hosted several barbecues. Switch things up with a wine tasting party! It’s a fun way to get friends together to sample new wines, and possibly find some new favorites.

The Wine

Choose a theme: i.e. region, varietal, vintage, price, or in this case, we chose a fun seasonal theme. Select 4-6 wines: While this may not seem like many, it will allow guests to appreciate any subtle similarities and/or differences between them, and a smaller number is also more manageable for the party host.

The Quantity

A tasting pour is approximately half of a regular serving (or 2-3 oz.). Since a standard wine bottle contains slightly more than 25 oz, figure 8-12 tasting glasses per bottle. There will likely be some favorites, so you may want to purchase an extra bottle of each wine to enjoy after the tasting is complete.

The Order

At a winery or professional tasting, they are poured in the correct order. It’s important to know what that order is for your at-home tasting: 

  • Whites to reds (begin with sparkling if serving)
  • Lightest to most full-bodied
  • Driest to sweetest
  • Youngest to oldest

Tasting Supplies

  • Wine glasses: 1 wine glass/wine/guest is preferable, if you don't have enough glassware, then provide a way for guests to rinse their individual glass between tastings
  • Wine charms or paper labels for guests to keep track of their glasses
  • Pitcher of water with water glasses along with plain crackers or baguette for guests to cleanse palate after each tasting
  • Bucket or some type of receptacle for guests to dispose of any excess wine
  • Paper placemats (optional, but helpful in assisting guests remember which wine is which) 
  • Using the bottom of a wine glass as a template, draw a circle for each wine being sampled, then write the wine name in the circle
  • Wine pourer (optional) - This handy tool provides a more precise pour and also helps to aerate the wine, which releases the wine’s full flavor and bouquet
  • Small plates for food
  • Napkins
  • Paper and pens for guests to jot down notes as they taste or create a wine score card like this one here:

What to Serve at a Wine Tasting

Pairing food and wine is much less complicated for a tasting as compared to a dinner. A charcuterie board is the perfect accompaniment to a wine tasting with its variety of foods, flavors and textures. Charcuterie boards are fun to create, and easy to put together.  Check out our blog on how to build one!


By keeping the food simple, you can enjoy the wine tasting too! 


How to Taste

This is when the fun begins!  We love Williams Sonoma for their high-quality kitchen and home goods, but did you know they have great entertaining tips and information as well?  Here you can learn both the how-tos of wine tasting and terminology associated with it.


You may also want to check out their extensive array of wine glasses, especially if you’re in the market for some colorful drinkware designed for outdoor entertaining.


Now that you have the basics for hosting a successful wine tasting, it’s time to schedule your party, shop for the wines, and enjoy sipping with your friends.


For more entertaining tips, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter, cheers!




We're Social!

Share by: