When sampling, go from white to red and from light to more robust. Keep portions small, about two ounces. (Later, guests can have more of a wine they especially enjoyed.) Provide a story or a bit of information for each choice. Space the wines at intervals, but be sure to have guests eating throughout the party.
What to Pour
Go for popular grapes—chardonnay, Riesling, pinot gris, pinot grigio, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and merlot. Select up to six different wines: all white, all red or samples of both. Or choose all wines from one country or region, such as South Africa, Napa Valley or your home state. Tap a local wine merchant for ideas and recommendations.
How Much to Buy
One bottle will yield about 10 to 12 glasses for tasting, or 5 glasses (standard 5-ounce wineglass) for drinking.
Food and wine belong together. For a good pairing, follow your taste buds instead of rules. But as a general gauge for matching food and wine flavors, try bold with bold, delicate with delicate and creamy with crisp. Plan on an assortment of fast and fabulous finger foods. Include an assortment of cheeses. About an hour before serving, arrange the cheese on a wooden cheese board with crackers and bread in a basket alongside.