Why not a Wine-Tasting?

Wine-Tasting as Entertaining

Looking for an entertaining idea for the next time you find yourself hosting friends, family or colleagues? Why not a wine-tasting?

A wine-tasting among old friends can be great fun; with an awkward jumble of guests (think bridal showers, or an office Christmas party), a wine-tasting can be a great relief. Hosting (and being a guest) is easier when there is a focal point around which to gather. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it is wine that we’re talking about... glass of wine is appreciated by almost any guest.

Discovery is fun.
Wine-tasting is an chance to explore a variety of wines.
Stumbling over a new favourite is delightful, but with some planning, an organized wine-tasting can offer more than random experiences. A tasting is the best way to learn about what you do (and don’t) like, and also to develop an ability to express this to others. The former provides new avenues for wandering, the latter in invaluable when wine-shopping or dining out.

Knowledge increases pleasure.
Connoisseurs believe that knowledge about a wine can increase our pleasure in its drinking. When drinking a Mosel Riesling, I can close my eyes and enjoy the view of a spectacularly steep vineyard rising from a meandering section of the Rhine. When drinking a Tokaji Aszu, I marvel at the flavours pressed from (“nobly”) rotted grapes.

What should a wine-tasting avoid?
A wine-tasting should not teach you to dislike what you already like. Instead, it should work towards (1) knowledge of why you like what you like, and (2) being able recognize a wine which is likely to please others.


A Little About: How to host a wine-tasting

Consider hiring a professional.
If you live in a larger center, there may be a professional wine consultant/tutor available to do house (or office) calls. This is available, for example, in Ottawa (“Groovy Grapes”), Toronto (“Billy’s Wine School”, or "The Frugal Oenophile"), and here in the Kitchener-Waterloo area (“kwTastings”).
First and foremost, hiring a professional takes the pressure off the host. (As the “Groovy Grapes” website says: “you deserve to be a guest at your own party”). Second, the skillful selection of wines can provide the foundation terrific wine-tasting. Third, a knowledgeable guide can direct the tasting, get guests talking, and answer questions.
And finally, a skilled guide will help you set a tone to suit you and your guests. A wine-tasting can be raucous, but gently contained; it can, instead, be a refined evening of education, delivered with a spirited touch.

Read a book
Do you prefer, but not feel quite ready, to take on the task yourself? There are a few books written especially for you. I suggest these two: “Essential Wine-tasting: A Complete Practical Wine-Tasting Course” (Michael Schuster), or “Wine Wisdom: A Complete Wine-Tasting Course” (Susy Atkins). Both these books walk you through a number of suggested themes, each designed to help you gather wines for a sensually interesting tasting.

One last word...
Last, but not least, be sure to provide lots of glassware. A wine-tasting should provides an opportunity for comparing wines to each other. Provide each guest with an identical glass for each wine. Don’t worry: wine glasses can be rented from a party-supply store... or if you hire a tasting guide, this may be included.