Hosting a Wine Tasting Party is fun and easy entertaining. There are so many wines to choose from and so many ways to introduce new wines by using wine themes. You decide the level of tasting you and your friends would enjoy based on wine level. From beginners to wine connoisseurs, there is a theme for everyone. See some ideas for wine themes below: 

1. Compare like wines from different regions (Example: Pinot Noir from California, and from Oregon, Virginia etc.) Assign your guest the wine type and specific regions to purchase. 
2. Compare same wine type from different vintage years. (Example: Kendall Jackson, Chardonnay, Years 1999, 2001, 2004)
3. Compare different Red Wines within same Vintage year (Example: Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon Year: 1998) Assign your guest the wine type and year. 
4. Compare Dessert Wines with special desserts. Have your guest bring a dessert wine with a dessert to match. 
5. Compare  2 similar wine types. Have guest compare differences and similarities. (Example: Red Chardonnay and White Chardonnay)
6. Choose a US State and Wine Type. Have each guest bring the wine from different wineries within the state assigned. (Example: Maryland, Chardonnay - Elk Run Vineyards, Boordy Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars)
7. Compare cheap inexpensive wines that are favorites of your friends. Have your friends bring their favorite cheap wine, or you can set a price limit.  
8. Off the rack wine tasting. Have your guest bring a bottle of wine off their wine rack.  One they received as a gift, or the one they think they won’t like. This is a great way to find a new favorite wine. 

Relax and Enjoy!!

Wine themes will give you and your guest an opportunity to explore the many varieties of wine and to find their own personal taste. Make sure you put your wine theme on your wine party invitations. Give your guest ample time to choose their wine selection for your party. Don’t worry if your friends are not “wine drinkers”, think of this as their introduction to the world of wine.