How to Host the Ultimate Champagne Tasting Party

A Champagne-tasting party is a fun way to bring friends together for an evening of sophistication, learning, and indulgence.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a night of bubbly exploration, careful planning will increase your chances of hosting a successful event.

Set the date and send invitations

Choose a date that enables guests to plan ahead and send out invitations well in advance. Although digital invitations through platforms like Evite or Paperless Post work well, a handwritten invitation adds an extra touch of elegance. Include details about the theme, dress code (if any), and any items that guests should bring.

Select your Champagnes

For a well-rounded tasting, select a variety of Champagnes so that you and your guests can compare different styles and flavor profiles. Some possibilities:

• Brut. A dry and crisp classic choice.
• Blanc de Blancs. Made from Chardonnay grapes, light and elegant.
• Blanc de Noirs. Made from Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier, offering a richer taste.
• Rosé Champagne. A fruitier option with vibrant color.

Expect each guest to enjoy at least two or three ounces of each Champagne; have plenty of chilled bottles on hand.

Prepare the glassware

The right glassware will enhance the tasting. Flutes are traditional and help retain bubbles; tulip-shaped glasses allow for a better appreciation of aroma.

Give each guest a separate glass for each pouring or have water and cleaning cloths available so that the glasses can be rinsed between tastings.

Set up a stylish tasting station

Arrange a beautifully decorated tasting area with:

• A table covered in an elegant tablecloth.
• Properly chilled champagne bottles.
• Small tasting cards on which guests can take notes.
• Spittoons for tasters who prefer not to drink every pour.

You can also provide printed tasting guides that explain the different types of Champagne and what to look for in terms of aroma, taste, and finish.

Pair with the right foods

Appropriate food pairings enhance the flavors of Champagne. Provide an assortment of small bites.

• Classic pairings. Oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, soft cheeses.
• Savory pairings. Mini quiches, truffle popcorn, charcuterie.
• Sweet pairings. Dark chocolate, strawberries, macarons.

Avoid foods that are too sweet or too spicy. These can overpower the delicate flavors of the Champagne.

Create a tasting order

Champagnes should be tasted in a certain order, starting with the lightest and moving toward the richest and most complex. For example:

• Extra Brut or Brut Nature
• Non-Vintage Brut
• Blanc de Blancs
• Rosé Champagne
• Vintage Champagne
• Demi-Sec (for a sweeter finish)

Invite your guests to take notes on the appearance, aroma, taste, and finish of each pour.

Include fun activities

Keep guests engaged with interactive activities.

• Blind tastings. Cover the labels and have guests guess the type of Champagne.
• Champagne trivia. Prepare fun facts and questions about the history and production of Champagne.
• Do-it-yourself Champagne cocktails. Offer ingredients like fresh fruit, bitters, CBD extract, and liqueurs that guests can use to create their own champagne cocktails.

Now it’s not just a tasting. It’s a full-blown party. Pop the cork, raise a glass, and enjoy a perfect evening of sparkling indulgence.