Wine Party Plan

At most parties, wine plays a supporting role. Host a gathering that gives it center stage with a blind tasting in which guests rate different wines.

1. Decide on a type of wine, a country or a region, and have each guest bring a bottle (6-8 bottles is a good number).

2. Cloak the bottles in wine bags, so opinions won't be swayed by a pretty label or a famous name. Tag each bottle with a number and give each guest a sheet of paper and a pencil.

3. Choose colorless wine glasses with full bowls that taper to the rim, so tasters can swirl the wine without spilling and appreciate all the nuances of color, bouquet and flavor.

4. Fill glasses no more than 1/3, and set a bottle of water and an empty bowl on the table so tasters can empty and rinse their glass before trying the next wine.

5. Provide mild-flavored nibbles like fresh bread or water crackers to cleanse the palate between sips.

6. Have guests rate each bottle and record the score on their forms. After all wines have been tasted, tally the scores. Then uncloak the bottles and award a prize (a set of wine charms, for instance) to the person who brought the top-ranking wine.

Shopping List

? Wine bags

? Wine Tags (shipping labels or gift tags work well)

? Wine glasses

? Pitcher for water

? Large bowl or wine bucket for rinsing glasses

? Fresh bread or water crackers

? Notepads and pencils for rating

? Wine charms for prize

? White tablecloth and cocktail napkins

? Wine! (6-8 bottles)