Confession. I am not a wine drinker. Or a beer drinker. I guess I don't have a developed palate. Or perhaps it is just that I haven't given wine a chance. Perhaps there is one out there that will not make me make a face after I sip and swirl and swallow. Big Daddy's grandmother once gave me a piece of advice, make everything a celebration. So....why not host a wine party? I have plenty of friends who are win-o's. Ok, Wine Connoisseurs. It should make for a fun evening. I consulted Epicurious for suggestions on hosting a wine tasting party.
"While you might think of wine tastings as things that take place at four-star restaurants and fancy wine shops, there are many compelling reasons to host a tasting in the comfort of your own home. With just a little planning and shopping, a wine tasting can be fun, easy, and affordable.
For advice on hosting an at-home wine tasting we spoke to Dina Cheney, a professional tasting host and author of Tasting Club. Cheney explains that compared to a cocktail or dinner party, a tasting requires significantly less planning, prep, shopping, or cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your friends—and the wine. Plus, with so many bargain bottles on the market, a wine tasting can be surprisingly wallet-friendly.
Cheney's at-home wine-tasting plan covers everything: scheduling the event, choosing a theme, shopping for bottles, and leading the tasting. She also shares her expertise on finding a good local wine merchant, choosing recipes (if you opt to serve food), and setting up your party space. And, if you really enjoy hosting tastings, consider forming a wine-tasting club or experimenting with different kinds of tastings—chocolate, cheese, honey, beer, and tea are perfect for tasting parties
Read More http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/entertaining/partiesevents/winetasting#ixzz0wANoRdyL



