There’s a hush of anticipation over the room and then the sound of a popping cork and the clear chime of crystal upon crystal as glasses clink. A swirl, a sip and then comes the laughter. Where are we? At a wine tasting in the Napa or Sonoma Valley? No, we are in a suburban living room at a WineShop At Home wine tasting event. The Host of this evening’s party has invited 16 of their friends and family to enjoy what formerly was only available in wine country, but is now available in over 30 states in the U.S.

A skilled WineShop At Home Wine Consultant arrives at the Hosts’ home to guide his or her guests through five or six wines – beginning with a lighter, aperitif wine and working through to the bigger and bolder wines and then on to the sweeter dessert wine. Hosts enjoy providing a taste of the wine country to their guests and offering them an opportunity to purchase wines directly from the company’s licensed, bonded winery in Napa, California. Most guests purchase a half-case or full-case of wine and often purchase the company’s Artisan Collection Wine Club as well so they can continue the wine lifestyle experience long after the party is over.