Have you ever thought about hosting a wine-tasting party? Not sure what you might need?

We have four of the best tips to get you started on your journey to hosting a successful wine tasting party!

KEEP THE PARTY INTIMATE AND PURCHASE YOUR WINE WELL IN ADVANCE

Make sure to keep your guest list at ten or fewer people. A small, intimate group will encourage conversations about the wine you're tasting. Each bottle of Keel + Curley wine is 750ml or roughly 24 ounces of wine. You should expect to pour each guest a one to two-ounce pour to allow them to sip and explore the flavors. Start small and pour a small taste for each guest.

STOCK UP ON NECESSARY SUPPLIES

You will need the following items to successfully host your private wine tasting:

• Glassware: You should be prepared to provide each guest with one glass to taste and sample each wine

• Palate Cleansers: Set out plenty of water, crackers, or simple snacks like pretzels to cleanse palates between wines

• Paper + Pens: Provide your guests with paper + pens to allow them to take notes and compare the wine once the tasting has been completed

SERVE THE CORRECT TYPES OF FOODS

If you're feeling adventurous, conduct research on how the acids, tannins, and sugar in foods interact with the wine. Try sampling foods with bitter, acidic, or creamy notes alongside the wine to see how it reacts on your palate. Take the time to learn what food pairs well with which wines and provide small plates for your guests when they arrive. Make sure that you're guests are not starting a wine tasting on an empty stomach and that they're ready to enjoy the tasting.

SERVE YOUR WINE CORRECTLY  

Depending on how you plan on hosting the wine tasting, the order may not matter. However, if possible, think about pouring the wines in order from white to red. Start with bubbly wine, move to light whites, then rosés, light reds, and bold reds. Before you host your party, find out details about the proper serving temperature for each wine prior to hosting the party. We recommend serving bubbly wine at 40-45 degrees, whites at 40-50 degrees and reds at 55-65 degrees.

Follow these four simple steps to hosting a successful private wine tasting party! Purchase your Keel + Curley wines by clicking here, visiting us in our Tasting Room, or finding us at your favorite local retailer!