There’s something magical about gathering with friends, uncorking bottles of wine, and indulging in great conversation. That’s exactly what we had in mind when we decided to host a wine tasting party for our girls’ weekend getaway. We rented a cozy house for the weekend in the heart of winter, complete with a fireplace and plenty of space to lounge, sip, and enjoy. The best part? We did it all on a budget without sacrificing style or fun. Here’s how we made it happen- and how you can too!

Setting the Scene: Cozy Decor

Since it was the middle of winter, we wanted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rental house had the perfect setup-a big wooden table for our wine tasting, a fireplace crackling in the background, and plenty of comfy seating. To enhance the ambiance, we brought a few simple decorations: fairy lights, candles, and a couple of vases filled with greenery. A soft music playlist in the background completed the vibe, making it feel like a high-end wine bar right in our living room.

Choosing the Right Wine Lineup

We wanted a mix of wines that catered to everyone’s taste without breaking the bank. Instead of splurging on expensive bottles, we opted for a mix of affordable but high-quality wines, sticking to a variety that allowed us to explore different flavors. Here’s what we picked:

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc – Perfect for those who enjoy fresh, citrusy notes.
• A rich Chardonnay – Smooth and buttery, ideal for white wine lovers.
• A bold Cabernet Sauvignon – A must-have for those who love deep, full-bodied reds.
• A fruity Pinot Noir – Light and versatile, great for any occasion.
• A fun sparkling wine – Because what’s a girls’ weekend without a little bubbly?

To keep costs down, we each brought a bottle based on our assigned category, which helped us stay within budget while still offering a fantastic variety.

The Perfect Wine Tasting Kit

We knew we wanted to make the wine tasting feel more official, so we ordered this blind wine tasting party kit from Etsy- and it was perfect! The kit came with tasting sheets, Host Instructions, and even cute labels for each wine bottle for blind tasting. This small investment made a huge difference in making the night feel special and organized.

This Wine Tasting Party Kit for 12 is a must-have for any wine lover’s gathering! Whether you’re planning a wine bachelorette party, girls’ night wine tasting, or a cozy wine brunch, this set has everything you need to host an unforgettable event. The kit includes essential elements to guide your tasting experience, making it easy and fun to organize.

Here’s what’s included in the Blind Wine Tasting Party Kit:
Host Instructions – A step-by-step guide to help you set up and run your wine tasting party with ease.
12 Wine Tasting Sheets – Structured to capture notes on aroma, taste, and finish so each guest can rate their wines like a pro.
4 Wine Games + Answer Sheets – Keep the fun going with interactive wine-themed activities that spark laughter and friendly competition.
12 Magnetic Wine Glass Gems – No more mixing up glasses—these adorable markers help guests keep track of their drinks. This was such a special touch
8 Wine Bottle Tags + Ribbon – Perfect for labeling mystery wines in a blind tasting challenge or for decorative bottle displays.

This kit was the ultimate way to bring the winery experience into our home. Just add wine and snacks, and let the good times flow!

Blind Wine Tasting Challenge

To add an extra layer of fun, we decided to do a blind wine tasting challenge. Each guest brought a bottle of wine, wrapped it in paper, and labeled it with a number so that the brand and type remained a mystery. This way, we could taste and judge the wines solely based on their flavor profiles without any preconceived notions about the labels.

Using the printable scorecards from our kit, we rated the wines on a scale from 1 to 5 based on aroma, taste, and finish. It was hilarious to see how different our opinions were- one person’s favorite was another’s least favorite! At the end of the tasting, we revealed the wines and tallied up the scores to determine our group’s top pick. This added an element of surprise and kept everyone engaged throughout the night.

To make things even more entertaining, we encouraged each guest to describe their wine using creative adjectives or funny comparisons. Some described their wines as “sunshine in a glass,” while others said theirs tasted like “a campfire in the middle of a vineyard.” These moments added plenty of laughter and made the experience even more memorable.

Budget-Friendly Food Pairings

No wine tasting is complete without delicious snacks, but we didn’t want to overspend. We put together an elegant yet affordable charcuterie board filled with:

• Cheeses – A mix of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy goat cheese.
• Crackers & Bread – A variety of crispy crackers and fresh baguette slices.
• Fruits – Grapes, sliced apples, and dried apricots for natural sweetness.
• Nuts & Chocolate – Almonds, walnuts, and a few pieces of dark chocolate for a touch of indulgence.
• Meats – A small selection of salami and prosciutto for those who wanted something savory.

All of these items were easy to find at our local grocery store, and by splitting the cost among our group, we kept it super affordable.

Games & Conversation Starters

To keep the evening lively, we added a few wine-themed games and conversation starters. We played “Drink if,” where each person had to drink if the statement was true for them. We also had a fun round of “Would You Rather” with wine-related questions like: “Would you rather drink only red wine for the rest of your life or only white?”

Another fun addition was a wine trivia challenge, where we tested each other’s knowledge on wine regions, grape varieties, and fun historical facts. For example, did you know that the oldest known bottle of wine dates back to 325 AD? These little tidbits kept everyone engaged and sparked fun conversations throughout the night.

Wrapping Up the Night

After we finished our tastings, we cozied up by the fire with our favorite wines of the night and reminisced about our best (and funniest) wine moments. The wine tasting kit we ordered made it easy to jot down our notes, and by the end of the evening, we all had a new favorite wine to add to our personal collections.

For an extra special touch, we surprised everyone with mini wine-themed party favors—small cork keychains and personalized wine charms. These were inexpensive but made for a fun keepsake to remember our weekend.

Final Tips for Hosting Your Own Wine Tasting Party

1. Keep it simple – You don’t need an elaborate setup to make it special. A few decorations and a good wine selection go a long way.
2. Buy smart – Affordable wines can be just as delicious as expensive ones. Look for hidden gems at local wine shops or grocery stores.
3. Make it interactive – Use tasting scorecards and blind tastings to keep guests engaged.
4. Pair wisely – Choose easy, budget-friendly snacks that complement your wine lineup.
5. Add a little surprise – Consider small party favors or games to make the night even more memorable.
6. Have fun! – At the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying great wine and even better company.

Hosting a wine tasting party at home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Our girls’ weekend proved that you can create a stylish and fun experience on a budget, all while making unforgettable memories. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a unique way to spend time with friends, this is the perfect way to bring the charm of a winery right to your living room!

Heres the link for the Etsy Blind Wine Tasting Party Kit we used: SHOP HERE