Blind tastings should be simple – those tasting should not know the identity of the wines being tasted. When it comes down to it, there’s 8 basic rules to always remember:
- 6-12 people is the best for wine tasting. This way you only need one bottle per wine.
- Arrange the wine tasting so they are trying whites to red. From sweet to dry – light-bodied to full-bodied.
- Ask your guests not to wear perfumes or smoke.
- Bag or cover the bottles so they cannot been seen.
- Prepare a tasting note guide and answer sheet for your guests.
- Make sure you have crackers and a cheese platter, or some type of finger food.
- Supply plenty of water to drink between tastings.
- Use wine glasses, not paper or plastic.
Now you’ll have to decide what kind of blind tasting you would like to do. A Single-blind wine tasting is one varietal ie: Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. The bottle should be covered, but you can see the wine in your glass.
A Double-blind wine tasting is where your guests will not know anything about the wine and they have to list its Varietal, Country and sometimes region.
And yes, there’s even a Triple-blind tasting where your guests are actually blind-folded and know absolutely nothing about the wine.
This will help you get started along hosting your own blind tasting at home with friends and loved ones, but the most important rule not to forget, is to just have fun!
