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Wine tastings are the new card party; the new game night. These events -- held in restaurants -- were once the privilege of gourmands and oenophiles.

Now there are wine tastings for charity, wine-tasting parties among friends, wine tastings at work, wine tastings at church events and wine tastings for nearly any occasion you can think of.

If you're thinking of hosting one -- or maybe you've already sent out the invites and now you're wondering what you're going to do -- we've got some expert advice for you.

"Select varietal wines -- Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay," suggests Mark Nord, owner of Downer Wine & Spirits. "Stay away from blends at the beginning. Try to learn what each varietal tastes like. Taste the wine blind, put the bottles in bags. Sometimes it works well to have a list of five or six wines you will be tasting with brief descriptions, taste them blind and try to match the wine to the description."

Meanwhile, Kamryn K. Boelk, Tasting Room Director at Mequon's Grapes & Grain has three key bits of advice:

"Go to a store where the employees are knowledgeable and can help you with your selections," says Boelk. "There are many places in Milwaukee that have knowledgeable staff -- use them, that's what they are there for. While you are talking with the sales person -- or favorite bartender -- take some notes on what they are saying then go home and do a bit of research. If you have a globe or an atlas keep them handy during the tasting so you can locate where the wines are from -- you'd be surprised how many people don't know their geography.

"Secondly, pick a theme," Boelk continues. "This doesn't have to be an amazing expulsion of creativity, keep it simple -- single varietal or all from one region, wines under $10, --and there are many more suggestions on the Internet. Having a theme narrows the overwhelming possibilities down to something a bit more manageable and comprehensive.

"Most importantly, wine is about personal taste. I cannot emphasize this enough! So many times I come across people who are intimidated by wine or worry about being embarrassed by their opinions or selections. Pishposh!! It's all a learning experience and a continual development. The best way to learn about wine is to taste-talk-take notes."

Nord agrees that one of the biggest mistakes people make at wine tastings is thinking that they're "getting it wrong."

"Have fun with it, this is not serious stuff," he says. "Remember that everyone tastes and smells different things, there are no right or wrong answers."

But practically speaking, there are a few things you can do to make your tasting a better experience.

"Do not brush your teeth, chew gum or have a mint right before a wine tasting," says Boelk. "It certainly will screw it up from the start."

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