Do you think that wine-tasting parties are just for foodies and oenophiles? Think again, wine tastings are a fun way to enjoy time with friends while also refining your palate. And today, with so many great, inexpensive wines available, this party need not break the bank! Below are some tips to help you plan your wine tasting extravaganza!

Consult the experts. If you’re new to the world of wine, check the Internet for ideas, ask your local wine store for suggestions, or pick up a copy of a recent wine review magazine. If you like, you could even ask a customer service rep at your favorite gourmet food store for suggestions about cheese and food pairings.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if you’re a Chardonnay drinker, give yourself permission to try something new — you never know what you'll wind up liking! Plus, the more variety you have, the more fun you'll have trying them!

Brown-bag it. If your attendees have some wine-tasting experience, turn your tasting party into a competitive event by covering the labels and asking guests to try to identify each varietal. Reveal the labels at the end, and the winner gets — you guessed it — a bottle of wine!