Wine tasting events require more glassware per head than almost any other type of event. This guide covers the hire quantities for corporate wine tastings, charity wine evenings, and private events.
Wine tasting events require more glassware per head than almost any other type of event. This guide covers the hire quantities for corporate wine tastings, charity wine evenings, and private events.
A wine tasting event requires more glassware per head than almost any other type of event, because guests receive a clean glass for each wine being tasted. Calculating glassware correctly is the most important part of planning a wine tasting hire order. This guide covers corporate tastings, charity wine evenings, and private events, with quantities for 50 and 100 guests.
\n\nThe standard format for a wine tasting is 6 to 8 wines per session. If each guest uses a clean glass for each wine, the glasses-per-head figure is 6 to 8. For 50 guests tasting 6 wines, that is 300 glasses. For 100 guests tasting 8 wines, that is 800 glasses.
\n\nIn practice, many wine tastings use a rinse-and-reuse approach where guests rinse their glass between whites and reds. In this format, each guest needs 2 to 3 glasses rather than one per wine. Even with rinsing, order 20 per cent extra to cover breakages.
\n\nExpo Hire supplies wine glasses in the quantities needed for events of all sizes. A standard Bordeaux-style wine glass works for both red and white wine tasting. See the glassware hire page for available types and case quantities.
\n\nWine tastings split between two main formats. A standing tasting with poseur tables keeps the atmosphere informal and encourages guests to move between stations. A seated tasting at round tables is more structured and suits longer events with multiple courses of food alongside the wines.
\n\nFor a standing tasting of 50 guests, 6 to 8 poseur tables give everyone a surface for glasses and tasting notes. For 100 guests, plan for 12 to 15 poseur tables. Space the tables so guests can move between wine stations without congestion.
\n\nFor a seated tasting of 50 guests, 5 to 6 round tables seating 8 to 10 guests each is the standard layout. For 100 guests, 10 to 12 tables. Each table needs a set of wine glasses per guest, plus access to a spittoon or dump bucket (see below).
\n\nWhite linen tablecloths are the standard choice for wine tastings. White allows guests to judge wine colour accurately when holding their glass over the cloth, which matters for serious tastings. For poseur tables, white tablecloths are available from Expo Hire. For round tables, white round tablecloths in the appropriate size are also available. See the linen hire page for sizes and pricing.
\n\nSpittoons are needed for serious or professional wine tastings where guests are working through a large number of wines. Expo Hire does not stock spittoons. For spittoon hire, contact a specialist wine event equipment supplier, or use clean buckets sourced separately for each tasting table.
\n\nIce buckets for chilling white wines are a practical addition to any wine tasting. Standard ice buckets hold one bottle and keep wine at temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. For a tasting with 3 or 4 white wines in rotation, plan for 4 to 6 ice buckets per tasting station. Ask the Expo Hire team about current ice bucket availability when placing your order.
\n\nWine tastings that include food need crockery, serving equipment, and catering kit in addition to the glassware. A cheese and charcuterie board format is the most common food pairing for a wine event, as it requires minimal cooking and no heated service equipment.
\n\nFor a hot canape or supper service alongside the tasting, chafing dishes and bain maries keep food hot during the serving period. For an outside caterer working at a venue without a kitchen, hot cupboards and service equipment from Expo Hire cover the production side. See the catering equipment page for the full range.
\n\n| Guests | Format | Glasses (6 wines, clean per wine) | Glasses (rinse and reuse) | Tables |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Standing | 360 | 120–180 | 6–8 poseur |
| 50 | Seated | 360 | 120–180 | 5–6 round |
| 100 | Standing | 720 | 240–360 | 12–15 poseur |
| 100 | Seated | 720 | 240–360 | 10–12 round |
Quantities above include 20 per cent additional stock for breakages.
\n\nExpo Hire delivers to England and Wales. For delivery charges and minimum order values, see the carriage and delivery page.
See also: private dining hire guide and cocktail party hire guide.
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