The best way to deepen your understanding of wine is to uncork some bottles. The most enjoyable way is to do so in the company of friends. Many less-experienced wine drinkers feel they don’t know enough about wine to host a tasting—as if such events are left to the “experts.” In truth, tasting is the best way for the novice to dip into the world of wine. By casually sampling wines at home with friends, together you can discuss what you’re finding (and liking) as you swirl, sniff, and sip.

The wines you choose for your tasting can be organized around a variety of themes; a good place to start is to taste six bottles of wine made from the same grape, but from different regions or producers. Serve them in flights; that is, smaller pours of three or so wines served side by side. Plan to pour about two ounces of each wine for each person, but be sure to have a few more bottles on hand to sip with the food and socializing that comes later.

What You'll Need

Bottle Bag to conceal the identity of each wine until the tasting is over.

Wine Glasses

Container for spitting and dumping excess wine. This might seem like a waste, but after a glass or two of wine, you will probably want to spit or toss it.

Water to refresh your palate between sips.

Ready, Set, Sip!

Look at the Wine. Hold the glass by the stem and tip it away from you, preferably against a white background. Examine it carefully for color and clarity. Is it bright or dull? Intense or delicate? Clear or muddy? This will help you judge the age and quality of the wine.

Smell the Wine. Swirl the wine in the glass and then smell it. Swirling enhances the smell of the wine by releasing fruit aromas and allowing it to react with air. You will want to take one big sniff.

Sip the Wine. Take a generous sip and let the wine rest in your mouth. It may help to aspirate, or draw a little air into your mouth (gargling is considered inappropriate). What does it taste like? What is the texture? You can either spit or to swallow the wine. It might not be pretty, but spitting helps keep your palate fresh (not to mention keeping you from getting tipsy).

Take Some Notes. So, what did you think? Write it down – what it
smelled like, your first impressions, and the aftertaste. More importantly,
did you like it? If you did, go ahead and have another sip, no one will
blame you.