Wine Tasting Blind - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Wine Tasting Blind is a drinking game in the Team Games category for 4-12 players that takes about 15-30 min with a hard difficulty level.

Blind wine identification

Equipment Needed

Setup

Arrange a table with 4-6 bottles of wine, each numbered and labeled with a theme (e.g., red blends, Chardonnays). Provide each player or team with a notepad and pen for notes. Pour small, equal samples into numbered glasses and place them in order from left to right. Keep the bottles hidden to maintain the blind tasting element.

How to Play Wine Tasting Blind

  1. Set up the game according to basic rules
  2. Players take turns or play simultaneously
  3. Penalties result in drinking
  4. Success means assigning drinks
  5. Continue until winner emerges
  6. Loser faces final penalty
  7. Winner earns bragging rights
  8. Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Start with wines that have distinct flavors or aromas to make identification easier. Swirl the wine before sniffing,it helps release the aroma. If you're unsure, prioritize guessing the varietal over pinpointing the specific label. Penalize players for over-analyzing,taking more than 30 seconds per glass puts them at risk of losing points and therefore drinking penalties.

Variations

Regional Focus: All wines must come from the same region, like Napa Valley or Bordeaux, challenging players to differentiate subtler variations.. Mystery Pairing: Alongside the wine glasses, add a snack pairing and require players to guess both the wine type and the pairing intention, doubling the challenge.. Rapid Fire Round: Players only get 10 seconds per glass to guess before moving on, creating a fast-paced, high-stakes atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do penalties work in Wine Tasting Blind?
If a player guesses a wine incorrectly, they take a sip from their own designated glass. If the guess is wildly off,like mistaking a red for a white,they finish the glass.
What happens if multiple players tie for the win?
Tied players face off in a sudden-death round where they must guess a mystery wine poured into an unmarked glass without any context.
Can we use boxed wine for this game?
Yes, but boxed wines make it harder to differentiate between types, so it's best for beginners or casual groups.
How can teams work together during the game?
Teams can debate their guesses before submitting, but if there's a disagreement, they must designate one person to finalize the answer for the penalty or reward.

Players: 4-12 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: hard

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