Take the Leap
Elevate your next wine night, date night, or holiday party by adding a vertical tasting element. A vertical wine tasting includes different vintages of the same wine. It is a truly unique experience that will allow your guests to enhance their understanding of the many factors that play subtle roles in a single wine.
Hosting a vertical wine tasting is a fun way to entertain your guests; it can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Vertical tastings are excellent because they allow participants of all wine knowledge levels to try different vintages of the same wine and discuss them with each other. Everyone can learn and gain new perspectives while having a great time.
Your Guide to Hosting a Vertical Wine Tasting Party
The Wine
Purchase three bottles of the same wine from the same winery but different vintages. Purchasing the three wines will allow your party to see how dramatically or subtly wine changes from year to year. Our Audentia Cabernet Vertical is an excellent option for your party, crafted from our Estate’s finest grapes.
The Setting
As you set up for your vertical tasting, avoid putting out any flowers or candles, as the aromas can interfere with your tasting. You may also want to include mood lighting and background music. Set up one glass of each wine for each guest; in this case, each guest would have three glasses.
The Tasting
When it’s time to taste, start with a two-ounce pour in each glass. Begin with the youngest wine on the left and the oldest on the right, then work your way as a group through tasting each wine. Have a pencil and paper for your guests to write down their thoughts.
The Food
The addition of food can take your vertical tasting to the next level. As you take your initial sips, a bite of a non-flavored cracker between wines can act as a palate cleanser. You should always take at least two sips when tasting a new wine. This will allow your palate to adjust and detect all of the subtle differences between each vintage. When you are done sipping each wine at least twice, adding a cheese and charcuterie board pairing can be a lovely way to bring out additional characteristics of the wines.
The Conversation
Have the winemaking notes available; you can find them on our website for each wine, along with vineyard and vintage information. Encourage conversations as you taste each wine and pour your guests a glass of their favorite at the end.
