Blind wine tasting is the art of guessing different elements of a bottle of wine. You can guess many things, like grape, region, vintage, price, alcohol level, or palate.

But one of the great things about a blind wine tasting party is, IT'S UP TO YOU.

If you want something easy-going and fun, or more serious and in-depth, it is completely up to you.

This post covers how to host a blind wine tasting party that people will love. We've got you covered, whether it's for your rosé-loving girl group or the self-proclaimed winos.

If you want to know how to set up, cover your wine bottles, and what wine to buy. Read on.

If you're new to wine and need some extra help, check out our posts: A Simple Guide to the Different Types of Wine and 4 Red Wines For Beginners (A Simple Guide).

3 Bottle covered with paper for a blind wine tasting party

Setting up a wine-tasting party

Why host a blind wine party

Blind tasting parties are a staple in my house, and I've yet to have a disappointed guest.

You can throw many types of parties based on the vibe you want, making it diverse. I've had parties with 50+ people and staff versus 6 of my closest friends sitting around the table.

One of the best parts is when everyone relaxes, enjoying a constant flow of conversation.

Additionally, it's always so great when people discover a new wine type. Or my personal favourite: they discover they love a grape they once avoided.

Everyone can love wine; they just haven't found their perfect bottle yet.

Choose your categories

Before you start picking your wines, you need to decide on your theme or categories. Will you be guessing the grape varietal, the price, or the vintage?

You could also pick a theme, such as Battle of the Reds, New World vs Old World, or the perfect sparkling.

If you want to keep it fun and easy with a bit of competition, try guessing the price and rating your favourites. You might be surprised by what lands on top!

Select your wine

The easiest and most affordable option is to ask each of your guests to bring a bottle of wine. That way, you know each person will enjoy at least one bottle of wine, with the bonus of sharing the cost.

Another way is to buy a premade case of wine. 8 Wines premixed wine cases are the perfect choice. They have over 70 different premade cases of wine, from affordable to premium.

If you want to pick wine yourself, here is a list of some great wines types to look out for.

Recommened wines for a blind wine tasting party

RED WINES

Pinot Noir, Malbec (from Argentina), Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, especially from Bordeaux, are great choices. Syrah/Shiraz, from either Australia or France, is also excellent.

WHITE WINES

Chardonnay (unoaked from Chablis or oaked from California), Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier.

Prepare the bottles

There are many ways to cover your bottles, from foil to wine sleeves. Let’s explore the different types.

PAPER

I do not recommend using paper; if the bottle is wet, it will easily tear or become see-through. I also find it slips off the bottle when you pick it up.

However, it is an affordable option and is something that most people have at home. And I've used it in the early days of my blind wine tasting and made it work.

FOIL

This is the easiest and most affordable way to cover your bottles. Most homes have this item. You can easily place your bottles in an ice bucket to keep them cold. There is no need to worry about the foil falling apart.

WINE BAGS

Wine bags are relatively inexpensive and can elevate your wine night. These wine bags from Amazon are cute, numbered and available for next-day prime delivery.

After covering your wine bottles, number them. This way, you can match each bottle to a number when people note their guesses.

3 Bottle covered with foil for a blind wine tasting party

Set up Tasting stations

Make sure each bottle is covered and numbered, so that people can link a number when they are writing notes about their guesses.

You may want to use ice buckets to keep your white, rosé and sparkling wines cold throughout the game.

Matching glassware always gives your party an elevated feel. If you don’t have enough glassware, matching plastic ones can look just as good. Renting glasses is another option to consider!

Make sure you have water available for people to wash out their glasses.

Water is also great to prevent the dreaded next-day wine hangover.

How will you score

There are many different ways that you can play and keep track of who is winning the game.

For an intimate event, consider everyone trying the same wine at the same time. This can spark a healthy discussion at the table. Share your thoughts and ideas with each other.

If you have a large group, consider giving each person a pen and a pencil for notes. Then, let them mingle and pick the order they want to try the wines.

Snacks are essential

It is always a good idea to offer a spittoon. I cannot stress this enough; if you drink all the wines, you will get drunk!

Also, providing snacks like bread, dips, nuts, and cheese is a great way to prevent people from eating on an empty stomach.

Personally, I always cook a batch of pizzas. Carbs are a great way to fill those stomachs!

Some hints and tips

Most people will recommend that you separate your whites from your reds. And start with your whites.

I do not like this approach; I prefer to switch up my wines. I find that once I try more than three of the same type of wine, they all taste the same.

Make sure you sip water between each wine to cleanse your palate.

Some things to look out for in the most common types of wine:

Recommended wine for blind wine tasting and their characteristics

Pinot Noir
- Light-bodied with high acidity and delicate flavours (cherry, cranberry, raspberry).
- Typically lower in tannins, making it feel smooth and elegant on the palate.

Merlot
- Medium- to full-bodied with rich dark fruit flavours and a plush mouthfeel.
- Often shows smoky or cocoa notes, with moderate tannins and a softer finish.

Malbec
- Medium-bodied with soft, round tannins, making it very approachable.
- Flavours lean toward black cherry and chocolate, with a smooth, velvety texture.

Cabernet Sauvignon
- Full-bodied with high tannins and strong structure, often built for ageing.
- Bold flavours like blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco are typically more intense and powerful than the others.

F&Q: Hosting a Blind Wine Tasting Party

For a small group (4–6 people), 4–6 bottles work well. For larger groups, aim for 1 extra bottle per 4–6 guests.
Not at all! Blind tastings are fun for total beginners and seasoned wine lovers. The game element makes it easy for everyone.
Foil is the simplest and most reliable option. It doesn’t slip, tear, or show the bottle shape.
A 2 oz (60 ml) pour is plenty for tasting. Provide spittoons so guests don’t have to finish each glass.
You can score by correct guesses (grape, price, region) or vote for favourites. Choose the method that fits your group.
Not providing enough water. Hydrated guests = happier guests the next morning.
Most last 1.5–3 hours, depending on how many wines you taste and how chatty your group is.

How to Host a Blind Wine Tasting Party: Step by Step.