Hosting a Wine Tasting Party

One of the easiest ways to impress guests is to have a fabulous spread of cheese, appetizers and an accompanying wine that takes the experience to the next level. I remember when I first started drinking wine, the only thing I would touch with a ten foot pole was Moscato. Bubbly, perfect, amazing Moscato. On a random trip one afternoon to Hood River, Oregon, I stumbled upon the tasting room for Naked Winery. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Not only did they present the wines in a relaxed atmosphere, they had accompanying food to help you really enjoy the taste of the particular wines you were drinking. I never knew that food could change the taste of wines so much. Now I knew why all my older friends had gotten hooked on wine. From that moment, I bid adieu to only drinkingMoscato, and said hello to Reds. Below you will find a cheat sheet to help you knock it your wine tasting experience out of the park – and look like a pro to your friends!

To host like a pro:

Choose 5 bottles of wine, and serve from light/sweet to dark/bold. Two bottles of wine will serve approximately six guests. For tasting, pour approximately 1-2 ounces of wine in each glass. Keep white wine chilled until right before you serve it. Place your food pairings alongside each coordinating wine bottle.

To enjoy the full experience, pour wine into each guest's glass and let it sit for a minute or so, to let it breathe. Have your guests pick up their glass, swish the wine around (to help release the different flavors in it), then take a smell before you take a small sip. Do not wash the glass between tastings, just a small drop of water can ruin the flavor.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pairs with: Blue cheese, goat cheese, figs, honey, nuts and grapes.

Local Wine Suggestion: Belle Joli American Cabernet Sauvignon (Belle Fourche), Naked Oh! Cabernet Sauvignon (Custer/Hill City)

Budget Wine Suggestion: Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Barefoot Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Pinot Noir or Chardonnay

Pairs with: Baked brie, apple or cherry chutney (preserves), apples, and a fresh loaf of crusty french bread.

Local Wine Suggestion: Firehouse Wine Cellars Pinot Noir or Oaked Chardonnay (Rapid City),

Budget Wine Suggestion: Bogle Vineyards Chardonnay

Merlot

Pairs with: Gouda, dark chocolate, chocolate dipped strawberries, pears, olives, whole grain crackers.

Local Wine Suggestion: Naked Winery Merlot (Custer/Hill City), Firehouse Wine Cellars Merlot (Rapid City)

Budget Wine Suggestion: 14 Hands Merlot, Cupcake Vineyards Merlot

Malbec

Pairs with: Sharp cheddar, blackberry jam, rosemary bread or crackers.

Local Wine Suggestion: There are no local Malbec wines :(

Budget Wine Suggestion: Alamos Malbec

Moscato

Pairs with: Blue cheese, gouda cheese, figs, seafood, bruschetta.

Local Wine Suggestion: Belle Joli Demi Sec Sparkling Moscato (Belle Fourche), Naked Winery Hook Up Muscat (Custer/Hill City)