Host an online wine tasting

If Zoom quizzes aren’t your thing and you’re looking for something different to do with friends and family, why not develop your wine knowledge in the comfort of your own home with a virtual tasting session? You don’t need to be an expert, or to follow a daunting checklist of notes, just a few bottles to enjoy with like-minded folk – and some nibbles in case you get peckish. We’ve consulted those in-the-know to help you get started. 

The first step is selecting the wines. ‘From our recent tastings, we know some people can’t go out and buy a bottle specially, so just pick something you already have in,’ says Matt Dicks, Partner and host of Waitrose & Partners new online tastings. ‘If your guests are happy to buy, you could plump for a specific grape variety such as sauvignon blanc. It’s grown on several continents with varying climates, and this produces different fruit characters, which makes for a good contrast. 

‘Or you could nominate a country – Italy, France, Australia, Spain, even the UK. The aim is to try something new. Maybe pick a wine from a grape you like but that’s grown in a different country from your usual choice.’ Alternatively, pick a theme, for instance fizz, rosé or something more esoteric such as ‘off the beaten track’. It may be useful – and can add to the fun – to set a price limit per bottle; consult your guests to work out what’s appropriate.  

When comparing wines, it’s useful but not essential to use the same type of glass for each. ‘It can affect the impact of the aroma and the way in which the wine moves as you sip,’ says Waitrose Partner and Category Manager Anne Jones. If you want to look the part, the port glasses from the Connoisseur range are similar in shape to professional wine tasting glasses. Temperature is important. ‘Reds are often served too warm and whites too cold,’ says Anne. Open reds ideally an hour in advance. Whites should be well chilled, but take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving and pour a smaller measure to prevent them from warming  up too much in the glass. 

How many wines should each guest try? Matt says one is fine, but if you are opting for two, you might go for one budget and one more expensive version of the same grape. It’s also worth considering half bottles unless you want to be quaffing opened bottles for days.

‘There’s a lot to think about – colour, aroma, taste. If you’re struggling to identify the aromas, try swirling the glass to open up more delicate notes,’ says Waitrose wine expert Pierpaolo Petrassi, Master of Wine. ‘Then swirl the wine around your mouth and, if you can, draw in air at the same time as you might notice more detail. Think about the flavours, textures and how the wine develops.’ Does the aroma evoke bowls of fruit or a sweet shop, a country walk or a box of chocolates? 

Ask each person to share their thoughts on what they taste. Encourage them to keep it brief and lively, and to use the mute function while others are speaking. If you’re all tasting the same wines, mark your favourite and see if you all agree. Don’t forget to keep some water handy to refresh your palate – or to rinse out glasses – between wines. 

‘Cheese is an ideal accompaniment for a wine tasting,’ suggests Matt. ‘The salt in foods counteracts some of the acidity in wine, normally making it softer, smoother, richer and less “dry” in the mouth so try tasting a wine on its own, then after a nibble of cheese. The effect will vary depending on the acidity of the wine, which in turn is influenced by the climate in which it is produced.’ 

As a very simple rule of thumb, hard and aged cheeses will go well with medium and chunky reds, goat’s and soft cheeses with crisp whites like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, and blue cheeses with reds or port. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule – for example, roquefort pairs beautifully with a sweet white sauternes. You’ll find lots of good advice on food and wine matches at waitrosecellar.com. 

A tasting session – even a virtual one – is a great excuse to really go to town. Serve your cheese with lots of crackers or crusty French bread set out on slates or wooden platters. 

Look out for the recently launched virtual home tastings, where an expert joins you and your invited guests online to talk you through a selection of wines. You’ll get tasting tips and information about the wines you’re sampling. Tastings are taking place throughout February and March, but spaces are limited, so don't forget to reserve your spot.