If you are a wine enthusiast, you may frequent the best wineries in Hunter Valley for your favourite bottle. But what if you want to expand your palate?

Wine tasting sessions are a fantastic way to explore the world of wines and gain further knowledge to enhance your preference. Wine tasting is often done with company seated around a table, exchanging meaningful conversations over a flight of bottles.

There are two ways to experience wine tasting: hosting one and attending a tasting in the best Hunter Valley wineries.

If you’re in the mood for tasting wines and are unsure which setting is better, we’ve listed the pros and cons of hosting and attending wine tasting.

Attending Wine Tasting

Whenever we think of wine tasting, we first think of heading out to the countryside and booking a session in the local winery. This is true, and there are several good reasons why enthusiasts choose to book tastings instead of hosting one:

• Knowledge – Attending wine tastings allows you to expand your understanding of the beverage by trying varieties guided by professionals.
•  Wide Range – Wine tasting attendees get the opportunity to try wines from various regions and grape types
• Socialisation – Besides tasting wine, attending a session lets you interact with people who share the same interests
• Cost-Effectiveness – By attending wine tastings instead of hosting one, you can save costs on purchasing glasses and bottles

While attending a tasting is highly beneficial, it also has downsides:

• Limited Control – The winery is in charge of the wine selection and event organisation
• Time Constraints – Because it is highly planned, you may not have the chance to experience the wine at your own pace
• Travel – Depending on the location, you may need to spend time travelling to the winery

Hosting Wine Tasting

Hosting a wine tasting in your home can be a fantastic project. Not only will you have the final decision in the event, but it can also teach you more in-depth knowledge about proper wine selection.

Below are some of the benefits of hosting:

• Customisation – By hosting the wine tasting, you get to decide the wine selection, food, and theme
• Networking – Hosting wine tastings can help you meet fellow wine enthusiasts and build relationships
• Learning – Hosting wine tastings can give you a deeper understanding of the beverage and food and wine pairings
• Entertainment – Deciding on the wines, choosing snacks to pair, and decorating the house according to a theme can be fun and exciting

Hosting gives you more freedom than attending wine tastings, but it also has limits:

• Cost – Purchasing various wines, glasses, and food can be expensive

• Responsibility – As the host, you need to plan and prepare everything carefully

• Disappointment Risks – Guests may have distinct tastes and may not like your wine and food selection

Ultimately, it all comes down to your preference, budget, expertise, and the amount of effort you are willing to give. If you need more experience with wine tasting before hosting one, we recommend booking a session at Ivanhoe Wines.