Volume 124 Issue 126
kansan.com
KENTUCKY
UK 67
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN UDK
KANSAS
the student voice since 1904
59
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2012
PAGE 19
ENTERTAINING
Wine tasting parties a different way to entertain
VICTORIA PITCHER
vpitcher@kansan.com
If you are looking for a way to switch up your normal party routine, try something tasteful. Throwing a wine tasting party is a great way to network and get different kinds of people together for a new experience said Kelsey Gordon, a senior from Overland Park.
PLANNING
Gordon said planning is essential. She started planning her party a month ahead, and then almost two weeks before the party she created a Facebook page to invite people with. The day before the party, she sent everyone a text to remind them. The guest list was an important part of the equation for Gordon.
"You just have to know your audience," Gordon said. Some guests will have more of a taste for wine than others, so it's important to plan for that. For example, Gordon found that mixing wine with sprite provided an alternative for those who weren't big wine drinkers.
Gordon also said not to try to compete
with bars or big events. She set the date of her party for a weekday night when school was out.
WHAT TO BUY
Steve Wilson, the manager for City Wine Market in Lawrence, said that you should chose up to six bottles with an even mix of red and white wines. He recommended that first timers will typically enjoy a sweeter wine.
"You definitely want to start out with fruity wines," Wilson said.
Wilson said for tasting purposes, it's important to choose wines that are good examples of what they are. He said the price range for bottles should be between $10 and $15.
One way to save money on costs is to have a BYOW (or Bring Your Own Wine) party. Gordon said that everyone at her party brought a bottle of wine of their choice, and the bottles were set out for anyone to try.
Each guest had their own plastic wine glass at Gordon's party that they decorated and wrote their names on. Party City and Party America in Lawrence sell packages of 18 plastic wine glasses for around $10.
THE TASTING
When tasting it is important to start out with the light or white wines and gradually move to the darker or red wines. Gordon said to taste about six wines, because the palate on the tongue will start to give out after six. In between tastes, rinse the glass out with water or swish water around in your mouth. Long stems help keep hands from warming the wine.
Food can be paired with wine, but might interfere with the taste. Gordon offered a simple plate of cheese and crackers to her guests.
There are many ways to personalize your wine tasting. Gordon said her friends chose to dress up for the occasion and also played poker.
Gordon said these are the kind of parties that lasting memories and friendships come out of.
"This is when you make your true friends in college," Gordon said. "This is when you get those connections. You just network, and that's what's important later on in life."
Edited by Katie James
Phtoto by Morgan LaForge
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Senior guard Tyshawn Taylor and junior forward Kevin Young try to comfort junior forward Thomas Robinson after the Jayhawks fall to the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA championship, 67-59. Kansas reached the title game after defeating: Detroit, Purdue, North Carolina State, North Carolina and Ohio State. The Jayhawks finished the season with a 32-7 record. Robinson and Taylor were both named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team. Robinson ended his career with an 18 point, 17 rebound performance.
CHRIS NEAL/KANSAN
Index
CLASSIFIEDS 2B
CROSSWORD 4A
CRYPTOQUIPS 4A
OPINION 5A
SPORTS 1B
SUDOKU 4A
all contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2012 The University Daily Kansan
Don't forget
A public celebration will welcome home the men's basketball team at Allen Fieldhouse tonight at 6:30.
Today's Weather
Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms.
Cloudy with a chance of depression