A guide to host a wine tasting at home party!

A guide to host a wine tasting at home party!

It’s time to polish your glasses and get the invites out because we’re here to help you host a wine tasting at home party! Whether it’s a catch-up with the ladies or a cosy night in with the better half, a wine tasting at home is a brilliant way to spend an evening during the colder months and an even better excuse to try more wines from DrinkWell.

Pick a theme

First things first, you’ve got to decide on a theme for your tasting night. Our favourites are "Wines of the World" where you try a bottle from different corners of the globe? Or maybe "Sips & Snacks" where you pair wines with your favourite nibbles? Choose whatever tickles your fancy and go from there. It doesn’t need to be too overwhelming. A theme will help you narrow down your selection and set the right atmosphere.

Order your bottles from DrinkWell

Now that you’ve got your theme sorted, it’s time to get back on DrinkWell to order your bottles of wine (don’t forget to use the discount code on page 1!).  For a typical evening, select five or six bottles. That’s enough to offer variety without overwhelming your palate. If your theme is based on a certain grape variety, we’ve got cases like Punchy Merlots, ‘Perfect Pinot Grigios’ or ‘Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Lovers’. If your theme is based on wines of the world, you can mix and match single bottles based on popular wine regions.

Order the Perfect Pinot Grigios case here.

Prepare the nibbles

It’s important to give your guests something to nibble on between tastings. Not only does this help balance the wine, but it also keeps the conversation flowing. A well-curated charcuterie board is perfect - a variety of cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts, and fresh bread or crackers. Add a little fresh fruit like grapes or figs for sweetness, and maybe some dark chocolate for pairing with the richer reds. But here’s the trick: keep the food simple. You don’t want anything too strongly flavoured or spicy that could interfere with the wine. The wine is the star here—let it shine.

Set the scene 

When it comes to setting the scene, think cosy elegance. You want your guests to feel relaxed but also like they are having a bit of a special treat. Dim those lights, spark a few candles – it’s all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. And don’t forget about some smooth tunes in the background. Perhaps some jazz or soft acoustic to keep things chilled without drowning out the natter!

Get tasting

Now for the best bit - drinking the wine! Wine tasting at home is about more than just drinking—it's a sensory experience. Start by inviting your guests to look at the wine’s colour and clarity, then swirl it to release the aromas. Ask them to take a deep breath and really take in the aromas —what do they smell? Citrus, berries, vanilla? Finally, have everyone sip and swish the wine around their mouth, focusing on the flavours, acidity, and tannins. Why not provide scorecards to keep track of everyone’s thoughts on the wines? Don’t forget to let us know afterwards!


Now you have it, your guide to host a wine tasting party at home! If you need any more advice on what wines to order, do not hesitate to get in contact with us. For evenings with friends, we highly recommending ordering any of our mixed cases to ensure there is something to suit everyone's palate.

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