Let us suppose you are surrounded by people who love wine and socializing. Gradually, you will need to be part of the overall scenario and what is a better way to do this, than throw a wine tasting party and call your friends over for a fun-filled evening?

The Basics for Throwing a Successful Wine Tasting Party

There is not much to do or prepare when you are throwing a wine tasting party. Actually, these parties are some of the most easily organized but which provide the participants a good amount of fun and platform for socializing freely. The basics that you will need when you organize a wine-tasting party would be:

* A wine tasting kit – the first and foremost thing you will need is a good wine tasting kit which can make sure that you got everything is needed for the party * You will need white linen for the table * Some cheese or oyster crackers for cleaning the wine taste from the mouth of your guests * A wine refuse basket – some people will have to spit the wine out after tasting it; ensure that there is a proper place to do so, otherwise the person may get drunk without intending to * Good soft music in the background

What Does a Wine Tasting Kit Consist of?

There are many a type of wine tasting kit in the market; there are the very complex ones and very expensive and you have the medium range ones with good but average costing wines. Depending on your budget you could get a wine tasting kit that is extremely expensive or one which is economical and still good. Actually, if you look at it, you can make a good and efficient wine tasting kit right at home.

A wine tasting kit usually consists of:

* Two to three good wine bottles for eight to ten friends. * Pre-formulated cards for review. * Blindfolds so you can taste the wine better. * Wine glasses (large at the bottom and narrow at the mouth). * A few games for adding to the fun (these could be printed on the review cards or different cards). * A guide book for testing wine which has a description of all you need to know when you are invited or you invite someone to a wine tasting party.

Wine is a hot favorite of many people all over the world; being part of a wine tasting party is a beautiful way to spend time with friends. It should not surprise you if you get many wine tasting invitation. Let us suppose that one of your very close friends is hosting a party and gives you a wine tasting invitation for the weekend. What do you do?

Accepting a Wine Tasting Invitation

Whenever you receive a wine tasting invitation or any invitation as a matter of fact, you should consider it before you concede or reject the invitation:

* Did the wine tasting invitation come with sufficient advance notice? * Did the person take the trouble of writing your name correctly? * Did they mention clearly what time the party ends; so that you can be prepared to leave at the appointed hour? * Did they mention the dress code required at the party? * Did they mention whether or not you are required to bring your own wine bottle to the party? * Did the mention the theme of the party?

These are some of the most important aspects that you will need to know about the party that you have been invited at. Check the wine tasting invitation for the details. If it gives all the necessary information, and you have time, by all means inform your host that you are accepting the wine tasting invitation.

However, if you feel that the invitation violated any formal or informal protocol, you may reject the invitation by informing the host accordingly. It may happen that you are indeed busy on that day and you cannot make it to the party. If the person who invites you is close, you can explain your problems in person and express your regrets for not being able to attend. If the invitation is coming from a more formal acquaintance, then you will need to call or send a brief note stating your inability to come.

You will need to ensure that the host receives your acceptance or rejection notice so he or she can make the necessary arrangements at their end. It is highly impolite to simply ignore the invitation and be a no-show at the party. Hence, it is extremely important that you notify your host about your rejection. Not replying will always be taken as confirmation and acceptance of the invitation.

Benjamin Bicais

The Napa Valley is world renowned for its food and wine. Boasting some of the best wineries and restaurants in America, tourists flock to Napa to experience its rustic elegance. Among the small towns that comprise the Napa Valley, Yountville is quickly gaining the reputation as one of the premier destinations.

Founded by George Yount in 1836, Yountville is one of Napa’s most storied towns. Its rich history has provided the building blocks for the success of this bustling community. The combination of fine dining and premium wineries make Yountville a hallmark of the Napa Valley.

The most important landmark in Yountville is also one of the oldest wineries in the Napa Valley. Built in 1870 by San Francisco native Gottlieb Groezinger, Vintage 1870 is now one of the main attractions in Yountville. Today, Vintage 1870 is the central part of an upscale shopping center, which includes high end clothing, galleries, jewelry, fine dining and wine tasting. The Vintage 1870 shopping center is truly a playground for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

The selection of fine dining in Yountville can prove irresistible to even the most reserved of individuals. At the top of the fine dining chain in Yountville is Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. The French Laundry is regarded by many in the restaurant industry as the best in America. In fact, it was actually designated, “the best restaurant in the world,” by Restaurant Magazine in 2003.

If you are able to get yourself on the three month waiting list, be prepared take out a second mortgage to pay the bill. Aside from the price, dining at the French Laundry is pleasure of all senses. The ambiance is unbeatable, the service is impeccable, and the food is a masterpiece of culinary perfection.

Although the French Laundry is the crux of Yountville’s restaurant community, there are many others that have excellent food and service for reasonable prices. Of these, the crème de la crème include Bouchon, Brix Restaurant, Napa Valley Grille, Hurley’s, Bocconcini Cantinetta, Bistro Jeanty, and the Restaurant at Domaine Chandon.

Even by Napa Valley standards, the fine dining of Yountville is unbeatable. But wine is what makes this small town go round. The restaurants in Yountville would not be as successful as they are without the influx of tourists that the wineries bring in. As one of the first regions in the Napa Valley to produce wine, Yountville is a great place to take wine tours.

Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, Yountville enjoys a long, methodical growing season. The weather is moderated by the coastal fog that creeps along the valley floor from the San Pablo Bay. By mid day, the fog burns off, leaving the vineyards exposed to the vibrant rays of the sun. This sun expose makes Yountville well suited for growing Bordeaux varietals.

It is no surprise that the majority of acreage planted in Yountville is Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes produce restrained Cabs that are not only approachable in their youth, but are excellent when paired with food. They can typically be enjoyed earlier than their northern counterparts.

When deciding which wineries to visit in Yountville, it is important to prioritize your trip around what you want to experience. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with Cliff Lede Winery. A narrow strip of land just off Highway 29 is home to the winery. The beautiful views from their vineyards pale in comparison to their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you do not get a chance to visit this up and coming winery, there are several others that produce a wide variety of premium quality wines. Among these, Domaine Chandon produces fine sparkling wines in the tradition of Old World Champagne houses. Their property includes a beautiful vineyard, chateau style winery and restaurant.

Domaine Chandon features a wide array of tours to please all of your senses. Their services ranges from their complementary tour to the all inclusive “Epicurean Experience,” which includes chef selected food and wine pairings along with dinner reservations at their restaurant after the tour.

The tours at Domaine Chandon epitomize the town of Yountville, and provide the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the finer aspects of wine and food. With the number of quality restaurants and wineries in such a small region, Yountville should be at the top of your list when visiting the Napa Valley.

About the author:

Benjamin Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and is the author of several articles about Napa Wine Tours in Yountville.