How to Host a Wine Tasting Party

We’re in the dog days of winter up here in Leelanau County. The nights feel long, and there is only so much Netflix or reading a person can take! Why not shake things up by hosting a wine tasting party? It’s a fun way to learn a little something while enjoying good wines and great friendships on these cold, dark nights. You don't have to be a professional or connoisseur to do it! Follow our tips below and open your doors to a festive, fun evening.

Elevate Your Wine Night With a Theme

A theme gives your wine tasting some structure, making it easier to select wines and guide the conversation. These parameters work for any wine but are especially good for sparkling wines because they are made in all sorts of styles, all around the globe.

• By Region: Choose sparkling wines from a specific area, appellation or country,  like Michigan, Champagne, or Italy. This is a great way to explore regional characteristics and appreciate the diversity within an area.
• Old World vs. New World: Compare wines from classic European regions (Old World) with wines from the Americas, Australia, or South Africa (New World) and see how climate and winemaking traditions impact flavor.
• Price Point Challenge: Mix in budget-friendly bottles with higher-end wines and see if guests can guess the cost or rate their favorites without knowing the price tags.

Select Your Wines

Once you’ve decided on a theme, pick 4-6 wines to sample. You want enough variety to explore different flavors without overwhelming your guests. Remember that each person will only need a tasting pour (about 2 ounces) per wine, so one bottle will be enough for 8-10 people for tasting.

If you're unsure what to buy, head over to our wine shop! Our team has put together some great tasting combinations below—feel free to mix and match to suit your palate.

• Dry – Prefer a drier selection? We recommend Blanc, Neon, and Toast.
• Blush – Want something in between? Give Grace, Freestyle, and our crowd-favorite, Sex, a try.
• Sweet – If you enjoy a sweeter lineup, we suggest Freestyle, Fizz, and Detroit.
• Premium – Looking for a more refined experience? Indulge in Talismøn, Millie, Gold, Blanc, and Grace—some of our finest offerings.
• Adventurous – Feeling bold? Step outside the box with Us, Green, Bourbon Barrel Red, and Sandpiper.

Set the Stage

• Lay the Table: Use a white tablecloth or have white paper on hand so that guests can easily observe the wine’s color against a white backdrop. Set out enough wine glasses (one per wine or at least one per guest to rinse and reuse), as well as a water pitcher and dump bucket for any pours guests might not want to finish.
• Print Tasting Sheets: Provide a tasting sheet for each guest with space for notes on appearance, aroma, taste, body, and finish. You can also include a spot for rating each wine.  Here’s a free, printable version  from the American Wine Society that includes the Wine Wheel, the industry standard for wine flavor descriptors.
• Label Your Wines: We like to do these tastings “blind.” It takes away any preconceptions or judgment and really lets the wine speak for itself. Place each bottle in a brown bag and number it. Guests will taste and rank the wines. At the end of the night, it’s fun to do a big “reveal” and announce the wines that were everyone’s favorites.

What to Look For

As they are tasting, have your guests evaluate the wines by the following parameters:

• Look: Encourage guests to hold their glass up to a light or against the tablecloth to observe the wine’s color and clarity.
• Swirl & Smell: Swirling releases the wine’s aromas. Let guests take a sniff and discuss the different scents they pick up, from fruity and floral notes to hints of oak or spice.
• Sip: Have everyone take a small sip and let the wine coat their palate. Discuss flavors, body (light or heavy), and texture (silky, smooth, or bright).
• Finish: Note the wine’s finish, or aftertaste. Is it short and crisp, or does it linger with layered flavors?

Encourage guests to share their observations and let everyone taste at their own pace — there are no wrong answers!

Palate Cleansers and Pairings

To keep everyone’s palate fresh and ready for each new wine, provide simple crackers or plain bread as a palate cleanser between tastings. Save more complex dishes, like a cheese and charcuterie plate, for after  the blind tasting.

A tasting party is a great chance to try something new and experience wines with your friends and family. You may surprise yourself by finding a wine you didn’t think you'd like or from a region you have never heard of. If you host a party, be sure to tell us about it! We love to see our friends and fans having a good time, no matter the weather.

Cheers!