Enjoying a no-frills glass of wine is one of life's simple pleasures. We love to kick back and enjoy a glass of sweet wine or a chillable red or white wine and there's no better place to do that than right here in Oklahoma! Wine is better with friends and hosting a party with sweet wines is a fun way to get the party started so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.
But you know what else is fun? Having a few conversation starters at the party! That's why we've compiled this list of quick wine tips and tricks from prefessionals in the industry so you can teach a few wine tasting party tricks to your dinner party or barbeque guests.
TASTING WINE
There is no wrong way to drink wine but there is, technically, a correct way to taste wine.
First look at the wine. Notice the color of the wine. Next, smell the wine. Notice any aromas that you notice on the front end.
Now, sip a good bit of wine (I like to say a good chunk of wine). Hold the wine in your mouth, swish it around your whole mouth. Let the wine touch every part of your mouth including your cheeks and tongue. After you swallow, you can breathe through the back of your nose a few times to see if you notice any additional aromas.
Think about the wine and feel free to discuss it with your guests. There are no wrong answers when it comes to discussing wine. It’s common for tasters to experience different flavors or aromas from the same wine. Wine will also change flavor as it’s uncorked and exposed to air, so a bottle may change or grow as you drink it.
TOASTING WINE
Learn to toast wine like a pro! This is a fun party trick that will impress your guests.
Proper wine etiquette insists that guests look each other directly in the eye as they toast their wine glasses. Remember to hold your wine glass from the stem.
Clink the fattest part of the wine glass’ bowls together while maintaining eye contact. Remember to clink gently as some hosts will break out their fragile crystal. When you sip your wine, try to keep sipping out of the same spot so your lipstick or lip markings won’t appear all over your glass.
Now you look polished and you can teach your guests something new and useful!
PAIRING WINE
Knowing how to pair your wine with your dish is another way to be a great host. Try pairing whites with colorful salads and white meats. We love pairing red wines with tomato sauce and pasta. A dessert wine, like our Zohera's Dream Moscato also makes the perfect wine to enjoy after dinner.
TALKING ABOUT WINE
You can use a handy wine wheel flavor and aroma guide like this one from Wine Folly.
Use one or two words to describe the bouquet (or aroma).
You can also talk about the texture or mouth-feel of the wine, and describe how the wine feels on your tongue (light-bodied, medium-bodied, oily, viscous, smooth, velvety). After you taste the wine, you can mention flavors that you receive on the front-end of the sip.
Then, you can talk about flavors that you receive after sipping and swallowing your wine sample.
You can also mention any changes that you detect as the flavor deepens on your pallet (tongue), If you’re getting an aftertaste, you can describe that. It’s also appropriate to note if you notice any flaws in the wine.
Now you’re ready to drink wine like a pro and you have some sweet new tips to show off to your friends and guests!
READY TO TRY SOME OF OUR FANTASTIC SWEET WINES?
VISIT OUR PRIVATE TASTING ROOM!
OUR PRIVATE TASTING ROOM IS AVAILABLE TO RENT FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES, FRIEND DATES, OR EVEN A ROMANTIC TASTING FOR TWO.
Private Tasting - Starting at $30.00 a person
Want a private tasting for you and a group of friends through all of our wines? We provide a deluxe experience guiding you through our wines with a complimentary cheese and fruit tray.
Room Rental - Starting at $100.00 an hour (3 hour minimum)
Enjoy the privacy of the tasting room and seating for 20 people for events like birthday parties, bachelorettes, or even a Girls’ Night Out. (Does not include the private tasting.)
Private Winery - Starting at $350 Sun-Wed (3 hour minimum)
Have a large group and want the winery to yourself? Come on out! We will provide the bartenders and you will have a good ol' time.
For tasting room booking inquiries please contact Lisa Griffin at lisa@coalcreekvineyard.com or by phone at 405-381-9463.
Our vineyard is located at 210 North Sara Road, Tuttle, OK 73089.