How to host a DIY wine tasting night

Big Night In is a series where Canadian experts and creatives share advice on how to spend a magical night at home. It's the ultimate guide to staying in — whether solo or with friends — featuring thoughtfully curated ideas that are anything but routine.

Why go out when you can play sommelier? "Getting together with some of your pals at home and popping a few corks is the perfect antidote to the endless temptation to doomscroll," said wine expert Blair Bouchard. 

While the study of wine might seem intimidating, Bouchard says the culture has shifted a great deal over the past decade thanks to "diverse upstart winemakers who've flung open the doors to the châteaus." The secret to pulling off your own wine tasting at home is to channel this more relaxed mentality — embracing the chaos when your friends start guessing tasting notes. 

It's also helpful to pick a theme for the night. "Without some kind of theme, it's pretty tough to make it a 'tasting' and not just a night of drinking," he explained. Feel free to go broad as "bring your favorite bottle" or as specific as "only bubbles" or "drink all pink." Bouchard is partial to picking a region: "There's plenty to sink your teeth into — a little history, a little geology and some persnickety rules and regulations that are fun to get to know."

Getting together with some of your pals at home and popping a few corks is the perfect antidote to the endless temptation to doomscroll.

When it comes to your lineup, Bouchard recommends tasting four to six wines in one night: "If you go higher than that, things start to fall out of memory." Start with light and dry wines, then work your way toward bold and sweet, and skip rinsing your glass with water — it'll mess with the next wine's texture.

For pairings, "a classic charcuterie board is always a good bet," Bouchard said, "but consider that many cheeses can be more challenging pairings than you think with reds." He recommends milder varieties, like friulano and burrata, along with aged options, like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Piave Vecchio, which are "versatile and not overwhelming." Complete the board with some salty cured meats — "[they] do wonders with tannic reds" — along with some dried fruit and nuts.

To set the mood for the main event, mimic the feel of a vineyard cellar or cosy wine bar with soft lighting and unscented candles — "No. Big. Lights." Place a few jars of coffee beans around the space to help guests reset their noses, just like they do in perfumeries. Then, if you want to go the extra mile, print out a wine-aroma wheel to help everyone name those elusive tasting notes. 

Finally, remind yourself that this is a hangout, not a seminar. "This is about having a good time first and foremost," Bouchard said. Guide the night with a little research, but let the conversation flow. Pour the wine, compare notes and crown a fan favorite. Who knows? You might just discover your new go-to bottle.