Wine Tasting Party

Have you got to be a sommelier to know something about wine? Well, if you wish to tout yourself as a professional, maybe but in case you only want to enjoy a great glass of wine, go with your gut - or rather your mouth - and appreciate what tastes good to you. So, why not host a wine tasting party? Before you hit the panic button, get uptight and claim to know nothing about wine, cease! We are not suggesting you sit around talking bouquet and barrel fermenting. We want you to have a little fun.

You can purchase wine tasting party kits from various sources online and local shops. Don't need a kit? Here's what you need:

- Guests - consider whom you know that enjoys and drinks wine and keep the numbers small

- A few bottles of wine that you feel you might like - both white and red. Based on how big the audience plan on two bottles of each type. Or for an additional twist, ask your guests to each bring 2 bottles of their favorite wine. If you do that you may need them to email or call you with the wine advice in advance.

- Printed wine tasting cards that list the wines you bought with some advice from the jar

- Pencils if guests wish to make notes about their favorites

- Wine glasses. We recommend 2 per individual. One for tasting and one for later

- Plain saltine or oyster crackers for visitors to cleanse their palates

- Nevertheless (plain) water for rinsing

-Some fantastic music, great conversationalists and a feeling of fun!

If you would like to add an additional flare to the celebration, why not serve an assortment of champagnes instead. Have friends bring cava, prosecco, sparkling wine and champagne rather than a white or red wine.

At the close of the event, serve some crackers/bread, fruit and cheese another small/light appetizers and provide each guest a glass of their favourite wine. Wine charms are a fun thing to present at this time. Each individual can pick her/her own and attach to the glass. Put on some music and revel in the company. But above all things, drink and function responsibly.