WINE-TASTING PARTY

Whether you are a wine novice or an aficionado, a wine-tasting party is an elegant and fun way to entertain. Plus, comparing and discussing vino with your friends at a tasting is an easy way to learn about wine.

This past fall we invited a small group of friends over for a relaxed wine tasting. I kept the decor understated, using wooden and white accents, fresh herbs and produce in lieu of flowers, and paper table coverings, which made cleanup easy and red-wine stains a nonissue.

When it comes to choosing wine for a tasting like this, now’s the time to deviate from your go-to bottles. Introduce guests to wine regions they may not be familiar with and select a diverse variety of flavors. Provide guests a list of what they’ll be tasting with room for notes that they can take home.

Let guests graze on basic but filling dinner-worthy fare such as cheese, prosciutto, crostini, focaccia with dipping oils, fruit, and a little something dolce like these homemade orange ricotta donuts served with do-it-yourself affogato al caffè.