Hosting a wine tasting evening is a fantastic and fun way to explore the world of wine. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you create the perfect wine tasting. Please do come and visit us if you need help with your event, we are always very happy to help!

Choose a Theme

A theme adds structure to your event and will make the experience more engaging. Popular themes are;

Regional Focus: Tasting Wines from a specific region like Bordeaux, Tuscany or Rioja.

Varietal Focus: Tasting wines of the same grape from different regions and countries.

Price Focus: Taste a variety of wines at a certain price to uncover hidden gems.

Blind Tasting: Taste your wines blind using wine covers on bottles to eliminate any biases.

Select Your Wines

Once you have chosen your theme, next select 4-6 wines to taste. This number allows for a good tasting without overwhelming your guests. Ensure you have enough wine, typically 6 to 8 servings per bottle for tasting depending on how thirsty your guests are!

Prepare your setting

Create a comfortable and inviting environment for your tasting. Here are our top tips:

Tasting Sheets: To jot down thoughts and possibly a simple scoring system.

Spittoon: For the drivers / anyone who prefers to spit.

Food: Think about your wines and theme and select food/nibbles to match. Have your chosen food buffet style to encourage engagement and maximise everyone’s fun!

Guide the Tasting

Start with your lightest wines and progress to heavier wines. Save any sweet wines until the end. Temperature is key; straight from the fridge is often too cold - take your wines out 30 mins before serving so they are lightly chilled rather than well chilled!

Explain your theme and introduce each wine, provide as much relevant background information as possible. We can help you with this! Tasting wine has four important steps. Encourage you guests to;

Look: Observe the colour and clarity (is it hazy?).

Smell: Swirl and consider aromas.

Taste: Assess both the taste structure (sour, bitter, sweet), key flavours, structure (texture, acidity, alcohol) and finish.

Discuss: Share your impressions, thoughts and preferences with the group. This is the fun part. Don’t be scared to share and be different!

Ask questions to provoke discussion such as; Did you enjoy? Favourite food and wine matches? Would you buy?

EWWines Wine Tasting Events

Inspired but don’t want to host your own event? Then why not join us!?

We have a brilliant lineup of events this Autumn. Our aim is simple. Best themes, wine makers or key figures in the business so incredible specialists, food to match, at the best value we can!

Welcome drink from 6pm, Tasting 6:30pm to 9pm (approx.).

Riebeek Valley Wine Co. South Africa Tasting Evening

Premium producer from Swartland, South Africa.

20th September - £45 p/p.

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Reichsrat Von Buhl German Tasting Evening

One of Germany's most renowned wineries that stands for terroir-driven, quality wines.

10th October - price £40 p/p.

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Champagne Bollinger and Champagne Ayala Tasting Evening

We are excited to host this Champagne house!

29th November - price t.b.c (approx. £80 to £100 p/p).

Thank you for reading and we hope to see you soon.