Wine Nights In: How to Throw an Easy, Fun, and Delicious Home Tasting
Enjoy these helpful tips to host your event:
1. Choose a Style or Theme
Will your tasting be casual, or a more structured experience? Will you be simply gathering with friends, or making it more structured?
...(for example: whites first, then reds; or “local wines only”; or blind taste and guess the variety).
Having a theme keeps things organized and gives your guests something to talk about.
2. Select the Wines
• Feature local or regional wines to make the experience feel special and anchored in place.
• Choose 4-6 wines so the tasting remains manageable; any more and people may lose focus.
• Consider starting with lighter whites or rosés, then moving to fuller reds (or alternate interesting styles).
To give your tasting a local twist (and support regional winemaking), here are some favorite Washington wines and wineries based in or around King County that you might include...
Chateau Ste. Michelle (Woodinville) – This historic Washington winery is well known and approachable, making it a great inclusion for a home tasting. Wikipedia+2The Corkscrew Concierge™+2
DeLille Cellars (Woodinville) – Produces highly-rated Bordeaux-style blends and offers elevated experience; a standout for guests who may appreciate something a little more refined. Wikipedia+1
Novelty Hill‑Januik Winery (Woodinville) – A destination tasting room that offers modern, well-crafted wines. Good for exploring something slightly off the beaten path. Novelty Hill-Januik+1
Matthews Winery (near Woodinville) – Known for Bordeaux-style reds, offers value and local flair. Wikipedia+1
3. Arrange the Setting
• Use wine glasses appropriate for the styles you’re pouring (for instance, white wine glasses for whites, and red wine glasses for reds).
• Pour modest sample portions so everyone gets to try each wine without getting too tipsy early.
• Provide spittoons or small cups if you want a more “formal” tasting feel (especially if you’re doing many wines).
• Set up the room with comfortable seating, good lighting, and minimal distractions so the wines—and conversation—are front and center.
4. Don’t Forget The Snacks!
Food helps pace a tasting and gives the palate a break between sips. Provide:
• A charcuterie board (cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers)
• Simple palate cleansers (plain crackers, bread)
• One or two intentional pairings (for example: a creamy goat cheese with a crisp white; dark chocolate with a bold red)
Encourage guests to experiment with pairing what they like and share their favorites.
5. It’s Reconnecting AND Educational
• Provide a brief introduction to each wine: where it’s from, what grape(s) are used, what to look for in terms of aroma, taste, finish.
• Ask open-ended questions: What do you smell or taste? Does the wine evolve as you sip? What would you pair it with?
• Encourage guests to rate or pick their favorite of the evening, and talk about why.
• If you like, provide tasting notes sheets or a simple scorecard (fun but optional).
6. Keep It Relaxed & Fun
The goal is connection and enjoyment—not pretentiousness. Remind your guests that there are no “wrong” answers when it comes to taste. The best wines are the ones people enjoy. Keep the energy lively, include breaks for chatting or bigger nibbles, maybe even a light activity like blind-tasting one wine or guessing the grape.
**** WINE-TASTING + ART-MAKING ****
Pair Your Wine Tasting With A Mini Paint & Sip Event: Wine, Snacks & Creativity
Pairing your at-home wine tasting with a mini Paint & Sip night transforms an ordinary evening into a cozy, creative experience you’ll actually remember. Start by selecting a few wines—local Washington favorites are perfect—to sample as you paint, and set out simple snacks like cheeses, fruit, or charcuterie to complement each sip. With a paint-at-home kit or your own art supplies, you can follow along with step-by-step instructions, let the wine inspire your brushstrokes, and enjoy a relaxed, no-pressure creative escape. Whether you're hosting friends or treating yourself to a quiet night in, combining wine, snacks, and painting brings together all the best ingredients for a fun, stress-free evening at home.