Wine really is about individual taste. It’s nothing more complicated than that but with all the choices of varietals, wineries and regions, where does one start? The easiest way to learn which wines you like is to taste a lot of them. One of the best ways to sample and learn about wine and have fun doing it is to start wine club.
Starting a Wine Club
The first order of business is to decide who to have in the wine club. Who do you know who has the same interest in learning about wine? Generally, you don’t want to include people who really have no interest in wine. While the group is also a social group, the primary focus is to learn about wine. Everyone will get more out of the group if they are on the same page.
The ideal number of people is between 6 and 12. This way you have enough people to share the work of having a wine party and not too many people that would necessitate buying two bottles of each wine you are going to try. Plan to commit to several months of gatherings depending on the number or varietals you wish to try.
Recommended varietals include Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Syrah/Shiraz, Champagne and Zinfandel. There are, of course, many others you could try should you decide to. Choose one varietal to try at each wine party. This way you can compare a particular wine from different regions, wineries and vintage years to see what the differences or similarities are and what you prefer.
Choosing Wine and Food for Your Wine Party
Hosting the wine club will rotate among the members although each member will be responsible for bringing a bottle of wine and an appropriate menu item to each party. Include a variety of regions and price points in your wine selection. Always make sure you get a bottle from where a varietal originated. Don’t be afraid to ask your local wine shop employees for recommendations.
The web is a wonderful resource to find food and wine pairings and recipes. The host will choose a main dish that complements the wine being tasted. Each member should bring an appetizer, a side-dish or a dessert that completes the menu. Each menu item should be something that complements both the wine and main dish being served.
Wine Tasting
Serve each wine at its optimal temperature. Wine served too warm or too cold will taste different than it should. The rule of thumb is that white wines can be stored in the refrigerator but should be removed 15-20 minutes before serving. For reds, store at room temperature but put it in the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving.
Conduct a blind tasting by covering bottles with aluminum foil or paper bags. This way you won’t have a preconceived idea about what you’re drinking. Supply each guest with a pen and paper to take notes. Even if you never look at your notes again, taking the time to write down your opinions will help you remember what you liked or disliked.
As you and your guests try each wine, follow the 5 S’s of wine tasting.
- Swirl the wine in the glass to aerate the wine. Notice the color of the wine. Is it pale and clear? Deep and rich? The legs of the wine refer to how the wine either sticks to or runs down the side of the glass and tells you how thick or thin a wine is.
- Sniff the wine. Really get your nose down in there and take a big whiff. What do you smell? Vanilla? Flowers? There is no right or wrong answer. Inhaling the aroma enhances the taste of the wine.
- Sip the wine.
- Swish the wine around your mouth for at least 10 seconds. What flavors do you taste? Again there is no right or wrong answer.
- Savor the wine. Think about what you just drank. What flavors, if any, do you still taste? The finish of a wine is basically the aftertaste. Is it pleasant or unpleasant? How long does it last?
Try each wine with the different foods you’re serving. Notice how the wine enhances the food you eat and how the wine tastes with the food. Take notes on everything. While wine club is a social event it is also for the purpose of education. Take the time to really evaluate each wine.
Before your club meeting ends, plan the date and host for your next wine party and choose the wine you wish to explore. In a very short time, you will be amazed at how much you know about wine and you’ll have a great time learning it with your friends.
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