There’s nothing like a cozy evening at home with friends, laughter—and a few good bottles of wine. One creative way to elevate the experience is by hosting a blind wine tasting party. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your wine journey, blind tastings add a fun twist that removes labels (literally!) and lets everyone’s palate do the talking.
The best part? You don’t need to be a sommelier or have a fancy wine cellar. With a little prep and a sense of adventure, you can pull off an unforgettable event your guests will be talking about long after the last sip.
🍷 What Is a Blind Wine Tasting?
A blind tasting removes all visible cues—no labels, no price tags, no preconceived ideas. Bottles are wrapped, numbered, and served without revealing their identity. This levels the playing field and encourages people to focus purely on taste, aroma, and texture.
It’s not about being right—it’s about discovering what you really like, and maybe being surprised by which wine wins the night!
🛒 What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple checklist to get your tasting setup just right:
-
6–8 bottles of wine (3–5 is great for a beginner group)
-
Wine bottle covers, foil, or brown paper bags to disguise labels
-
Sticky notes or bottle numbers
-
Tasting sheets and pens (you can download one here – PDF)
-
Wine glasses – ideally one per wine per person, or rinse between tastings
-
Palate cleansers – crackers, baguette slices, mild cheeses
-
Still and sparkling water
-
Spittoons or discard cups (optional but appreciated!)
-
Scorecards for friendly competition (you can keep it casual or get fancy!)
🛠 How to Set It Up
-
Select the Wines
Choose a theme—maybe all reds, all whites, or a mix. Or go global with wines from different regions. -
Disguise the Bottles
Wrap each bottle in foil or use blind tasting sleeves. Label each bottle with a number only. -
Order Matters
Serve white wines first, followed by lighter reds, then bolder reds. This prevents bigger wines from overpowering subtler ones. -
Pour & Swirl
Pour 2 oz. per tasting. Encourage guests to observe the color, swirl for aroma, and take their time sipping. -
Keep It Light
This isn’t a wine exam! Create a playlist, keep the snacks flowing, and make everyone feel comfortable sharing their thoughts—even if it’s just “I liked #3 best!”
🕹 Game Ideas to Make It Fun
-
Guess the Grape: Can your guests tell a Merlot from a Cabernet?
-
Spot the Bargain Bottle: Slip in one budget wine and see who calls it a winner.
-
Crowd Favorite: Tally votes for best wine and reveal the label at the end.
-
Cheese Challenge: Serve with mystery cheeses and see which pairs best.
For more fun game ideas check out the wine bottle ring toss idea from Taste of Home.
📥 Free Printable: Blind Tasting Score Sheet
Want to keep things organized and interactive? Download our printable wine tasting sheet (PDF) to help your guests rate wines on appearance, aroma, body, and flavor. It’s a fun keepsake—and a great way to remember that amazing bottle everyone loved.
👀 More Posts to Explore
🥂 Final Thoughts
Blind wine tastings are a fantastic way to gather with friends, try something new, and let your taste buds take the lead. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back evening in jeans and bare feet or a more curated tasting night, the magic is in the mystery—and the shared discovery.
Now go ahead and plan your first (or next) blind tasting night. You just might find a new favorite wine hiding in plain sight!