Setting Up a Room for a Wine Tasting
If you've been tasked with the enviable position of Wine Tasting Host, you'll need to know how best to set up the tasting room of your choice! There are a few things you'll need to take care of to successfully pull together your party. Most notably, square away the wine list. Many people choose a wine tasting theme based on country of origin, but grape varietal is another popular choice. After choosing the wines, you'll also need guests, of course. Though some hosts consider choosing a venue the most challenging part of hosting a wine tasting party, with a few dashes of inspiration, you should have no problem!
It's important to consider the amount of guests who will be attending the party, as this is a key factor in deciding which room you will use. If you will be having more than 20 guests, consider renting out space in a community center or recreation hall. When planning for the event, many hosts only consider the table where the wines will be displayed and poured. But remember to have room to accommodate a snack table that is at least a third of the size of the wine table, if not a full half. Hosting a wine tasting without the aid of appetizers can quickly turn the evening into a inebriated mess. Popular hors d'oeuvers include a variety of cheeses, cured meats and sliced french bread.
If you will be dedicating the wines at your tasting to a particular country, consider keeping your tasting room in theme with the wines. If French wine is on the menu, for example, hang a French flag over the wine table. Serve tapas and hang Spanish soccer jerseys on the wall if you will be tasting Spanish wine. Play some music indicative of the wine country to add even more to the ambience.
