5 steps to creating the ultimate food and wine tasting event

Organizing a food and wine tasting event is a refined experience. It combines the pleasure of the senses with culinary discovery, and is perfect for any type of private or professional event.

Here are just 5 steps on how to surprise your guests and make your wine tasting an unforgettable experience:

Focus food and wine pairings on a specific theme;
Select a variety of wines based on harmony, discovery or contrast;
Develop the menu with the help of your caterer to optimize the experience for the senses;
Add a creative educational touch to your event;
Make it interactive with a guided activity.

1. Define a captivating theme to frame the tasting

Choosing a theme is key to guiding your arrangements and surprising your guests. For example:

A regional exploration, such as Bordeaux wines paired with local specialties like La Distinction’s Lanaudière Tasting menu;
A seasonal theme, such as autumnal flavors;
A discovery of international tastes: Mediterranean dishes, Asian flavors or stations from different countries.

A consistent theme adds a touch of sophistication to your tasting experience.

2. Select a variety of wines with the help of a sommelier

Choose a good variety of wines: a dry white, a light red, a strong red and a sweet wine, for example. Consult a sommelier or wine specialist to ensure a well-balanced selection that perfectly complements the planned dishes.

Choose local producers for an authentic experience. For example, Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, founded in 1982 in the Dunham Valley, is a pioneer in the Quebec wine industry. By 2017, it had already won over 140 medals in international competitions. Its Orpailleur rouge was the best-selling Quebec red in the SAQ. In 2023, the winery won a further 7 medals.

Do you know of other fine Québec wines? Ask your caterer about them at your tasting event. He’ll be able to guide you in choosing the right dishes.

Tip

Remember to select a white or rosé wine for stronger dishes. Those who don’t like red wine will be grateful.

3. Create a thoughtful menu to enhance wines and dishes

Food should complement wine, and vice versa. Even sauces and seasonings need to be taken into consideration when selecting a wine and food pairing. That’s why the assistance of a top-class sommelier and caterer is your best bet when planning your event. They guarantee the success of your event.

The chef will help you harmonize your dishes, both in texture and progression of flavors. The result is a truly rewarding taste experience for your guests.

A classic example is

Appetizer bites with a selection of white wines;
Main courses for more robust wines, usually red, if not fuller-bodied whites or rosés;
Delicate desserts accompanied by sweet wines.

Please note

While harmony and balance are favored, taste contrasts are also part of this experience.

4. Providing an educational dimension

Whether family or friends, customers or employees, add a note of learning to your event. Call on a sommelier to explain wine choices and their characteristics. A great way to help everyone appreciate the discoveries even more.

It’s also a good idea to provide descriptive cards of the wines and dishes, so that everyone can take away tangible memories.

5. Propose a guided activity

Add a wine-tasting activity to the experience. For example, an aroma recognition game led by an expert, or simply based on the description of the wine.

You may choose to add a prize at the end of this activity to encourage greater participation. This will add conviviality and fun to your event.