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Standard Format for Wine
Tasting Parties
Feel
free to adjust any of the elements to suit your particular
situation.
- Supplying
the Wine
Generally
each couple brings a bottle of wine fitting the theme set
by the host. However, the host can find other ways
to supply the wine. (Just for fun, if two couples
happen to bring the exact same wine, the host gets to keep
one.)
- Amount of
Wine
There
are two issues here. First, tasting 5-7 different
wines at one event is about right. Having more than
that can be a little overwhelming sometimes. The
other issue is the amount each guest tastes.
Generally, a one ounce serving (2 tablespoons) is enough
for each wine. If each guest can consistently pour a
one ounce serving in a large glass, then one bottle can
serve about 20 people. Realistically, a bottle can
be divided into about 12-14 tasting servings.
- Invited
Guests
The
target is to have 12 people at a wine tasting. That
allows for 6 bottles of wine and if divided carefully,
there should be enough in one bottle that all the guests
can have a taste. There are 7 couples on the primary
guest list. There are a few others on a special
guest or substitute guest list. The host should feel
free to add people to the special guest list when
necessary -- i.e. if a couple is unable to attend a
tasting. In the future, if there is enough interest
from others, the group might expand and divide into two
separate parties of 5-7 couples each.
- Invitations
A standard invitation format
is available online. Invitations are extended to the
those on the primary guest list via US Mail, Email or
telephone. Guests should reply to the invitation in
a timely manner. The guest list, with names and
addresses is available for down load from the group
coordinator NK. Generally a wine registry card is
also sent with the invitations to be completed and
presented with the wine at the party.
- Serving
Food
A good rule for the responsible party host is always serve
food with alcohol. Not only can it help in developing a
better appreciation of wines, food helps to slow the
absorption of alcohol into the circulatory system.
Simple hor d'oeuvres can be provided by the host, or
guests can be asked to bring something that will support
the party theme.
- Bread
Sticks
Simple
bread sticks make a nice pallet cleanser between each
wine. Avoid salted or flavored breads that might compete
with the wine tastes. The idea is to neutralize the
pallet between wines and food.
- Water
Available
Water
is also used as a pallet cleanser. It should also be
available to rinse glasses between wines. Remember that
alcohol makes people thirsty, so have drinking water
available for guests.
- Wine
Glasses
Depending
on how you setup your party, you can issue one wine glass
to each guest to be used for all the wines. They can
rinse the glass with water and pour out in the swill
bucket. If you like, you can also setup one glass
for each wine for each guest.
- Day &
Time
Generally
wine tasting parties are held during a weekend evening.
However, it would be very acceptable to host a party
anytime. It's up to the host to schedule it.
It's up to the guests if they can attend.
- Wine
Record
After
each event, the host is asked to compile a list of the
wines tasted and other details about the wine and submit
it to be used on this website.
- Themes
Party
themes can be as varied as the host desires. The
theme can be a particular style of wine, a wine region, a
particular vineyard or anything else that might capture
the imagination of the host and guest. Themes
help people venture into wines they may not otherwise
discover. Be simple. Be creative.
- Tasting
Sheets
A standard tasting sheet form
is available online for the host to print and have
available for guests (with pencils.) Filling out the
tasting sheets is totally optional. Do it if you want.
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