A wine tasting party is an opportunity to sample wines from different regions or vineyards and varieties of grapes without commiting to a full glass. The essentials include good wine and friends; however, there are many ways to enhance your party, such as savory appetizers, a crackling fire and jazz music, as well as one or more of the ideas below.

Go glam and dress up - the wine tasting bar and food tables, that is! Create a luxurious display by renting specialty linens. I like a velvety merlot-colored tablecloth in the winter but it is possible to use a shimmery gold linen, too. Accent with candles to evoke a warmer atmosphere and lots of sparkle!

Hire a sommelier, a wine expert, who can help select the wine and serve it to your guests while imparting wine knowledge and fun trivia. With a sommelier, wine tasting becomes entertainment!

Say 'thank you' with a custom gift, such as a bottle of wine or wine glass imprinted with your personal message. Either gift is a nice finishing touch, especially if the party is an annual event or tied to a special occasion.