The experience of wine's enchantment is no longer reserved for exclusive wine cellars or elegant restaurants. By organizing a wine tasting at home you can invite friends or family members to a wonderful and memorable experience without having to squeeze in with a bunch of strangers in a cramped and dark venue. Perhaps it was corona that sparked this pleasant event, but it is definitely a trend that is here to stay. Here we have gathered the ultimate guide for what you should consider when you want to organize a successful own wine tasting. Check out our best tips below on what you must not forget when you want to experience the magic of wine in your own home!
1. Plan, decorate, & print a template for wine tasting
Step one is of course to plan your wine tasting. Preparation is the key to a successful experience for both you and your guests. Make sure to have enough wine glasses, preferably designed for different types of wines. A spittoon can also be useful for rinsing your mouth between tastings. Then create an inviting atmosphere with pleasant lighting, some beautiful candle holders, lovely music and stylish decorations such as a stylish wine rack. Since people often have a very optimistic overconfidence in their ability to remember things, it can also be good to print out a template for wine tasting at home to keep track of which wines are tasted and the impressions they give. It becomes easier to remember everything from grape varieties, wine regions, producers, and vintages, as well as what is discussed regarding aromas, colors, and flavors.
Download Dorres template for wine tasting here!
2. Choose a theme for the wine tasting
When you have selected the date, time, and guest list for your wine tasting, it is especially fun to also choose a theme or focus for the tasting. Examples of wine tasting theme can be different types of wines or countries, such as organic wine, portuguese wine, spanskt vin or Italian wine, or maybe take a journey through different wine regions within the same country. Another tip is to organize a cheese and wine tasting, or why not a chocolate and wine tasting and pair the different accessories with the wine. Go to your local wine shop or visit a reliable online supplier to select the wines you want to include in your tasting. The staff can often provide tips on which flavors pair well with the wines.
3. Serve appetizers & choose suitable snacks for the wine tasting
A wine tasting becomes even more enjoyable with well-selected snacks that complement the flavors of the wine. For red wines, you can try cheese and charcuterie, while white wines can be accompanied by fish dishes or fresh salads. Finger food and small dishes They are perfect accompaniments as they are served in smaller portions and can be varied to suit different types of wine. Also note how the different flavors of the food can change the experience of the various types of wine. However, do not forget to check for any allergies or food preferences before the wine tasting to accommodate all tastes.
Here you can check out our guide on how to get it done perfect charcuterie board. Or take part of our favorite recipes for delicious and simple finger food!
4. Why should you aerate wine? Invest in a wine aerator for the tasting
To add a touch of luxury to your wine tasting, you can invest in a wine decanter which is perfect for aerating the wine when you pour it into the wine glasses. This way, you and your guests will have an enhanced tasting experience, while the aerator helps to filter out the sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
To air wine without decanter is very convenient, but if you want to elevate your wine tasting even more, decanting a natural choice. For some wines, decanting can be beneficial to enhance the flavor and remove any sediment. But what is decanting, really?
Decanting means that you separate the wine from any sediment or deposit that may have formed during storage by gently pouring the liquid from one vessel to another. Carefully pour the wine from the bottle into a decanter and let it sit and breathe for a while before serving. This helps the wine to open up and reveal its full aromas, while also allowing it to aerate and oxidize the wine to soften the taste.
Q&A: 4 quick tips for your home wine tasting
How many glasses are in a bottle of wine?
A standard bottle of wine typically contains 750 milliliters of wine, which is roughly equivalent to six 125 ml glasses, or five 150 ml glasses. However, it can of course vary depending on how generous you are with filling the glasses.
How many glasses are in a box of wine?
A common size for a wine box is 3 liters, which usually corresponds to 20 glasses of wine if using 150 ml glasses, or 25 glasses of wine if using 125 ml glasses. But the same applies here, it depends on how generously the glasses are filled.
How long should I aerate the wine?
It is recommended to aerate the wine a little too little rather than too much. A wine that has been aerated for too long risks losing its aroma and can develop an oxidized taste. The average time is about 30 minutes before serving, but it often comes down to finding your personal taste preferences.
How can I open a wine bottle without a corkscrew?
If you have unexpectedly bought wine bottles with corks, but forgot to get a corkscrew, we have a smart trick and a lifesaver for the wine tasting. Remove the foil around the cork and then place the wine bottle in a shoe, with the bottom in the shoe and the cork facing up. Then hit the shoe against a wall or hard surface repeatedly. This will gradually move the cork out of the bottle. Just be careful not to break the bottle. Of course, it is best and safest to use a proper wine opener for your wine bottles. Prepare for your next wine tasting by getting one. corkscrew opener here.
Are you not a wine drinker but find our tips very tempting? Copy directly and invite friends or family to, for example, gin tasting, beer tasting or champagne tasting at home instead! Or why not organize a drink evening and mix good drinks and cocktails? Check out our tips on how to mix drinks like a pro!