Wine Tasting Themes

Choose a clever theme to set the tone for a fun, relaxed evening of fine wine and great conversation. Let your theme inspire your invitations, and spread the word about your wine tasting party a few weeks in advance.

Tip: Whatever theme you choose, be sure to taste from dry to sweet for white wines and from light- to full-bodied for red wines. Get more insider tips on swirling, sniffing and tasting with friends.

Here are some basic themes and some outside-the-barrel ideas for your wine tasting party.

The Basics

Two common approaches to wine tasting are the "vertical" tasting and the "horizontal" tasting.

Vertical Tasting

In a vertical tasting, you and your guests will explore one varietal, such as Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir, from one wine producer, such as Ecco Domani or MacMurray Ranch. Compare the selected wine across several vintages. This exercise allows you to evaluate the subtle nuances - and dramatic differences - that occur in a wine from year to year.

Horizontal Tasting

In a horizontal tasting, you'll compare one varietal from the same vintage across several wineries. Grab a glass of Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, and taste it next to a glass of Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc produced in the same year. How do these wines of the same vintage differ? How does each wine's region, vineyard and winemaking style impact the flavor of its varietal?

Think Outside the Barrel

Take a novel approach and add a touch of adventure to your wine tasting theme:

Regional Theme
Expand your knowledge of a particular wine region by offer a sampling of wines from a designated area of the world - perhaps a broad region, such as Italy or Argentina, or a more specific appellation, such as Sonoma County in California or Languedoc-Roussillon in France.

Around the World
Add a twist to your regional theme by tasting one specific varietal, such as Syrah/Shiraz, from different wine regions. For example, compare the distinct flavors of a Syrah from California and a Shiraz from Australia. How does the Bridlewood Central Coast Syrah differ from the McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Shiraz? How does each wine's region impact its flavor?

Seasonal Theme
Host an outdoor wine tasting featuring the summer's picnic-perfect whites and rosés, such as Martín Códax Albarino and Red Bicyclette French Rosé. Or, create a cozy winter wine tasting with a selection of full-bodied reds, such as Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Grenache and Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine and Cheese Pairing
Offer a variety of fresh cheeses with your selected wines, and ask your guests to describe how the aromas and flavors in the wine enhance the flavors in the cheese. Try warm baked brie with Mirassou Monterey County Chardonnay, or consider pairing a delicious blue cheese with Gallo Family Vineyards Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Blind Tasting
Add a dash of mystery to your wine tasting party by concealing the wine labels. Place a decorative card over each label, or wrap the bottles in fabric bags; then let your guests share their opinions and ratings for each wine. Reveal the labels at the end of the tasting, and continue the group's discussion. Were there any surprises?