Hosting a Holiday Wine Tasting at Home
🥂 Cheers to Good Company & Great Wine
The holidays are about connection — and what better way to gather friends and family than with your own holiday wine-tasting night?
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious to learn, a home tasting transforms an evening into a shared discovery.
Here’s how to plan a relaxed, laughter-filled tasting that feels both festive and effortless.
🍇 1. Set the Scene
Create a cozy, welcoming space. Keep lighting soft, music easy, and snacks within reach.
Arrange bottles in tasting order — light to bold, dry to sweet — and prepare a simple tasting sheet so everyone can jot down favourites.
💡 Tip: Use neutral table décor (white cloth, simple glasses) so colour and clarity of the wines stand out beautifully.
🍷 2. Pick a Theme
A theme gives your tasting focus and fun:
- Around the World: explore wines from France, Italy, Spain, and Australia.
- Same Grape, Different Terroir: Riesling from Germany, Alsace, and Australia.
- Festive Classics: bubbles, hearty reds, and a dessert finish.
✨ 3. Choose Your Wines
Keep it to 4–6 bottles — enough variety without overwhelming the palate.
Here’s a festive lineup to inspire:
💡 Tip: Offer small tasting pours (50–75 ml) so guests can enjoy and compare without overdoing it.
🧀 4. Pair with Simple Bites
Wine tastings shine when paired with uncomplicated food:
- Cheese board: soft brie, nutty comté, aged cheddar.
- Charcuterie: prosciutto, chorizo, or salami.
- Bites: olives, nuts, crackers, and dark chocolate for dessert wines.
Or make things even easier — order small bites from La Fontana to impress your guests with Mediterranean-inspired nibbles. Think truffle fries, marinated olives, or mini bruschetta to complement every pour.
Encourage guests to explore how each wine interacts with these flavours — it’s part of the fun (and the magic) of tasting together.
💬 5. Make It Interactive
Invite everyone to guess grape variety or country, then reveal with a story about each winery.
End the evening with a friendly vote for “Wine of the Night.”
💡 Tip: Print mini cards with each wine’s name so guests can take home their favourites.
🎁 6. Add a Festive Touch
Turn your tasting into a mini celebration:
- Prepare small prizes for correct guesses.
- Include a “Secret Santa Bottle Swap.”
- End with sparkling wine for a final toast.
🍾 Raise Your Glass to Memorable Moments
Hosting a wine tasting at home isn’t about perfection — it’s about laughter, learning, and togetherness.
So gather your favourite people, pour generously, and make this festive season one to remember.