How to host a tasting at home?

There is something timeless about gathering around a table with good company and great wine. At Waterford Estate, we believe that wine is not just a drink; it is a story, a conversation starter, and a journey of discovery. We want to be able to bring the Waterford Estate experience into your home and turn any evening into a night of discovery.

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a more structured event, a wine tasting at home is the perfect way to explore South African wine, broaden your palate, and create lasting memories with friends and family.

It is to this end that we created our curated mixed cases, each championing a different cultivar or wine style, giving you the freedom of discovery and choice.

But this freedom begs the question, how do you create anevening of great taste, great company and exploration?

Setting the scene

The first step in hosting a tasting at home is creating the right atmosphere. Keep it simple yet thoughtful. A clean table, comfortable seating, and neutral lighting allow the wine to take centre stage. Avoid strongly scented candles or flowers, bold perfumes or colognes; you’ll want the room to be free from distractions so the wine’s aromas can shine.

Prepare enough glassware for each guest or reuse glasses between pours. Most will think a quick rinse of water does the job, but the best practice would be to rinse with a small splash of the wine that is to come. Ideally, each person should have a glass per wine so they can compare as they go. If you'd like to take it a step further and show off your digital design side, try creating a printed tasting sheet or scorecard where guests can jot down thoughts, preferences, or their own tasting notes.

Choosing the right order

After choosing your wine theme for the evening, one must choose the correct order for the flow of the wine tasting that enhances the experience. Typically, you'll want to move from light to heavy, or dry to sweet. Start the tasting with a welcome drink, a rosé or a sparkling wine is a great way to engage the palate before beginning the tasting with white wines, and finish with reds. Within each category, start with the lightest-bodied wine and gradually work your way up.

If you're working with one of our themed cases, such as the Red Wine Selection, we would recommend starting with either the Estate Grenache or the MARK Pinot, then working your way through the Pebble Hill, Kevin Arnold Shiraz, Antigo and ending with the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Don’t forget to serve wines at their optimal temperature,whites slightly chilled at 10°C and reds just below room temperature at 15°C. If you really want to impress your guests, take the opportunity to speak about how temperature and glassware can influence flavour, texture and aroma.

Tasting like a pro

You don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy a structured tasting. The key is to slow down and pay attention. For each pour, encourage your guests to follow the simple five S’s of wine: Sight, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savour.

• Sight: Observe the colour and clarity – is it pale or deep, youthful or aged?
• Swirl & Smell: Gently swirl the glass to release aromas. What do you pick up? Fruit, spice, oak, earth?
• Sip & Savour: Let the wine sit on your palate. Is it dry or sweet? What’s the texture like? How long do the flavours linger?

There are no wrong answers in tasting; the experience is personal. We aim to prompt discovery, not perfection. Enjoy the debate and delight in the differences of opinion.

Pairing with food

While the wine should remain the star of the show, a food pairing can impress your guests and grow palates. A curated charcuterie board or a few canapés can add richness and layers to the experience.

Keep flavours simple, and avoid anything too spicy or sweet that will overwhelm the wine and tarnish the upcoming pairings.

Sharing stories, not just bottles

At Waterford Estate, we believe wine is at its best when shared. Each bottle in our mixed cases is not just an example of exceptional winemaking, but a story of soil, sun, season, and the people who brought it to life.

Encourage your guests to talk about what they taste, what they enjoy, and even what surprised them. Perhaps someone will discover a love for Syrah they never expected or find a new favourite among our whites. These moments of connection are what make a tasting truly memorable.

This next point is often difficult even for us. Not every bottle needs to be finished on the night. Some wines reveal more of themselves on the second day, a perfect excuse for you to revisit that Cabernet Sauvignon you so enjoyed.

You are now ready to host!

Hosting a tasting at home doesn't need to be complicated. With a bit of thought, good company, and some great wines, you can recreate the magic of our tasting room from the comfort of your living room.

So, gather your glasses, invite a few friends, and let us help you on a journey through our vineyard in Stellenbosch – one sip at a time.

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