{"id":19519,"date":"2019-08-26T12:41:02","date_gmt":"2019-08-26T19:41:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/taste\/?p=19519"},"modified":"2019-08-26T12:41:02","modified_gmt":"2019-08-26T19:41:02","slug":"how-to-host-a-backyard-wine-tasting-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/taste\/phoenix-wine-and-spirits\/how-to-host-a-backyard-wine-tasting-party","title":{"rendered":"How to Host a Backyard Wine-Tasting Party"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As long summer days begin to taper off, the time for outdoor entertaining in the desert is in full swing. One of the most satisfying ways to bring people together is to organize a soiree centered around spirits. Wine is a highlight of so many events, why not make it the main event? Here are a few surefire tips for hosting a backyard wine tasting party.<\/p>\n

Elevate Your Outdoor Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a wine-tasting party, you want to roll out the red (or green) carpet. Set your date a month in advance, so you have time to prepare. Make sure the basics are in order: your turf should be freshly mowed and looking healthy. If it needs a little work to get there, start giving it extra TLC in the month before the event. One-third of Phoenix homeowners have a Phoenix lawn care professional<\/a> take care of their yard. If you’re typically a do-it-yourselfer, you may want to hire out some of the maintenance so you can focus on the big picture pre-party.<\/p>\n\n\n

Stir up some ambiance with gentle lighting and low-key decor. Outdoor speakers are a must, and make sure you curate a playlist well in advance to set the tone. You may have to rent some outdoor seating and tables. If so, go for the highest-end options available. Use white tablecloths and candles to set the mood.<\/p>\n\n\n

Select a Theme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

All great parties have a theme, and a wine-tasting party is no exception. Pin down a region, a price range and a style to structure your tasting party around. If you\u2019re going for a regional tasting, why not choose a selection of Arizona wines<\/a>? The Grand Canyon State has more than 80 wineries to choose from. Decide from the beginning if you want your guests to know what they’re imbibing, or if you\u2019d prefer to keep the labels under wraps for a blind tasting.<\/p>\n

Match the Crowd Size to Number of Bottles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider this more like a very well-curated dinner party than a big blowout. Let\u2019s assume you keep the guest list to a dozen participants (hosts included). Do the math for your wine purchase: a standard pour is five ounces, which means five glasses for each 750 ml bottle. However, a wine-tasting standard pour is two to three ounces. For a wine-tasting for a dozen people, you\u2019 want to have three bottles of each variety. That leaves enough wine on hand for those who wish to re-taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Well-Prepared<\/strong><\/p>\n

Design an elegant, well-organized tasting card to give to your guests so they can take notes on each wine as they taste. Offer guests a \u201cspit bucket\u201d so they don\u2019t have to swallow each taste. Keep a carafe of water on hand to rinse glasses between tastings, and be prepared to give a brief introduction about each vintage before the pour.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Offer Light Snacks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may want to provide cheese pairings or some small hors d’oeuvres with each wine. If you want to keep it really simple, bread or crackers can offer a bit of ballast or a light palate cleanser between wine courses. Don\u2019t skimp on jugs of water to keep everyone hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taste in Sequence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wineries have specific rules governing tastings<\/a>. While you don\u2019t have to obey them to a T, some simple tasting guidelines can enhance the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n