Wine and cheese parties are the perfect opportunities to socialize and discover new flavors. A few bottles of wine, cheese, and good company are all one needs to entertain one’s friends and family. But, when planning to host this type of event, there’s much to explore and research. The best way to learn more about hosting a wine and cheese-tasting event is to read about tips to help plan it to perfection.
1) Determine when to host
The host must make sure the guests are informed about the event at least a month in advance. Wine and cheese pairing parties are typically held a month before or after the holidays. It helps guests add the event to their calendars before they include other plans in their schedule. But, one can always choose to host a tasting event based on their convenience.
2) Select the number and type of guests
When hosting a nighttime wine and cheese party, one must select the number of guests. The size of one’s home and the budget are two key factors to consider in this regard. Too many guests can make it difficult for the host to manage. An appropriate party size comprises about 15 guests. The host can mix familiar faces with new ones to keep the conversations lively and set a dynamic atmosphere. One can even go for a couple-oriented party where they invite close friends and their partners.
3) Decide on how the invitees must go out
When setting up a wine and cheese tasting at home, the host must decide how to send the invitations. A simple text with the date and time would be enough for a small and intimate gathering. But, if one needs help tracking the guest list, there are apps that can help. On the contrary, when it comes to a larger guest list, emailing is a quick and efficient way to invite everyone to the event.
4) Select the type of wine party
A wine and cheese tasting party isn’t as simple as adding drinks and food to a platter and serving it up. There are various styles and themes, and one should select the type of wine party that they are comfortable hosting. Various factors come into play when picking the right wine for the event.
- Vintages: The host must select one or two of their favorite wines and purchase an assortment of vintages. One can even ask the guests if they can discern how the flavor profile was affected by that year’s climate. For instance, grapes from a cooler region typically have lower sugar content and higher acidity, while grapes grown in warmer conditions are sweeter and more fruity.
- Account for food limitations: While one might want to offer their guest the best of the best, some of them might have meal limitations, and they may have to avoid foods that cause complications. So, one must account for this and ask their guest a few questions beforehand. Doing so will ensure that each guest is comfortable sipping on a glass of wine and enjoys the dishes without limitations.
Apart from the two options above, the host can also pick to have a blind wine-tasting session to encourage conversation. One must keep some wine in carafes and let everyone guess what the drink of their choice is. Throwing in prizes could promote some healthy competition and fun. Another party idea is for guests to bring their own wine so the host does not have to worry about getting it. While this allows for a wider variety of selections, one must not choose this option if one is particular about one’s wine and cheese pairings.
5) Set the menu
Selecting the perfect wine and cheese combinations for an entertaining night is another essential step. One must plan to set some easy finger foods (like nuts and olives) so guests can help themselves when they get to the party. Here are some popular wine and cheese serving ideas for beginners throwing the party.
- Serve a red that is not too heavy, like Pinot Noir, along with Gruyere.
- Aged Port goes well with Blue Stilton.
- Cheese like Gorgonzola can pair well with Moscato wine for the tasting event.
- Guests may enjoy the combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese.
There are a ton of other combinations that one can explore online or come up with unique combinations themselves.
6) Prepare in advance
A well-organized host ensures that everything is ready before guests arrive. A planning checklist can help ensure one doesn’t miss out on anything. The list can include groceries, decorations, wine, and other tasks that need to be done around the house. A few must-haves include enough glasses on hand to serve everyone, at least two or three corkscrews on hand, and napkins. One must also set up at least one corner for water where guests can rehydrate when they need to.
7) Put up some decorations
Another essential tip for hosting a successful wine and cheese tasting night is to set the ambiance with decorations. For example, one can hang something festive on the front door or place a potted plant at the entrance. If the theme is based on a specific wine region, one could decorate it with accessories from places around the world that align with the wine’s origin.
8) Play the music
After setting the right ambiance through decor, the next step is to select and play good music. Music streaming apps like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music are useful resources for party playlists curated for wine and cheese tastings. One could also create a personalized playlist if required. But, it is important to ensure the music isn’t too loud or jarring or does not overpower conversations. Something calming, such as soft jazz or lo-fi playlists, should work for the pairing.
