Now that Fall is officially upon us, we’re feeling the need for some serious quality time. And what’s better than sipping a nice glass (or two) after a long day? Sharing it with the ones you love! ‘Cause A) sharing is caring, and B) When was the last time you got to open more than one bottle at once just for yourself?!
So when it comes to picking wines, your immediate thought was probably heading down to your local liquor store, and wander the wine aisles ‘til you see a label that looks appealing. But seriously, you deserve better than leaving your wine choice up to chance!
That’s why WineCollective is exactly what’s missing in your life. They provide a monthly wine subscription service offering two-bottle, four-bottle, and six-bottle boxes of carefully selected wines, delivered right to your doorstep.
Oh, and insider tip: you won’t find some of WineCollective’s wines elsewhere, and members get serious discounts in their online store. That definitely comes in handy, not only for novices but also for all of you with profound wine knowledge but not enough resources to expand your horizon.
All in all, WineCollective has literally been around for over a decade, so if we’re talking to the experts- we’re talking to them. And here are 7 tips from the pros on how to host the ultimate wine-tasting from the comfort of home. Get ready, these are juicy!
Get the wines (duh!)
WineCollective will have that ready for you once you sign up. They’ve got a team of experts handpicking their unique wine selection, so you get to try la creme de la creme every single month. You can even follow the guide provided in your delivery box to ensure each wine is properly served in regard to temperature and aeration.
Stock your supplies
Not saying you need to go all out, but you should at least cover your bases. Prepare adequate glassware for reds and whites that will enhance aromas, textures, and flavors. If you’re feeling a splurge, invest in a good corkscrew, that’ll come in handy when opening 4 bottles in a row.
Set the atmosphere
We love some good beats to set the vibes, so spend some time putting together a nice playlist. Keep your lights bright enough to see the wines, but play around with intensity to create the right mood.
Choose the food-pairings
Resist the urge of serving all the flavorful hors-d’oeuvres until after all the wines have been tasted, but make sure to have plenty of bread on hand for in between tastings. Once everyone has had a chance to appreciate each option, bring out that charcuterie plate, ‘cause no one likes to drink on an empty stomach! But if you want to get real fancy, serve each wine with a paired small bite to help bring out the wine’s flavours, like dark chocolate with Cab Sauv or milk chocolate with Pinot Noir.
Cleanse your palate
Alright, we’re being extra with this one but having a water jug and some plain crackers or pieces of french bread can be pretty quintessential to a full wine-tasting experience. Don’t underestimate this step, overlapping flavours can ruin the whole thing!
Refine your story-telling skills
Take three to five minutes to engage all your guests by telling a little background story about the wines poured on the table. No, we’re not asking for a full lecture, just refer to the info provided by WineCollective and you’re good to go!
Have fun!
Is this a real tip? Yes of course! Wine drinking often comes with some serious etiquette but remember, this is your party, your rules, so don’t forget to enjoy it!
Alright that’s it for us! If you’re looking to expand your wine taste buds, make sure you check out WineCollective’s subscription boxes. Cheers!
