How to organise a Cava tasting at Christmas with family or friends: fun and tradition!

Christmas is a time to gather with those we love most, share unique moments, and create unforgettable memories. This year, why not add a special touch to your festive celebrations by organising a cava tasting? It’s a fun activity suitable for all ages (with moderation for adults) and a wonderful way to discover the nuances of the finest cavas while enjoying the company of your loved ones.

In this article, we’ll guide you on how to organise a cava tasting that’s simple yet memorable, without unnecessary complexity but with plenty of Christmas cheer. We’ll also recommend some of Castell d’Or’s finest cavas, perfect for turning any gathering into a truly special experience.

1. Why host a cava tasting at Christmas?

Cava is synonymous with celebration, and there’s no better occasion to enjoy it than Christmas. A tasting is the perfect activity to:

• Bring family or friends together for a unique experience.
• Learn to appreciate the differences between types of cava.
• Add a special touch to the festivities beyond the typical meal or dinner.
• Create moments of conversation and shared enjoyment.

With Castell d’Or’s range of cavas, you can explore everything from classic brut nature to the freshest rosés, each designed to elevate your Christmas celebrations.

2. Setting the stage for the tasting

You don’t need elaborate preparations—just a few details to create a cosy and festive atmosphere:

• A well-presented table: Use a white or gold tablecloth, elegant glasses (one for each cava), and festive decorations such as candles, pinecones, or fairy lights.
• Labels or cards: Serve the cavas blind (without showing the label) to make it more engaging, and provide cards for each participant to note their impressions.
• A snack station: Pair the tasting with small bites that complement each cava, like nuts, cheeses, or nougat.

3. Selecting cavas for the tasting

A Christmas tasting should include a variety of options so participants can compare styles and find their favourite. Here are some suggestions from Castell d’Or’s range:

• Cossetània Brut Nature
  A classic dry and elegant cava, ideal for those who enjoy pure flavours.
  Recommended pairing: Toast with avocado, cherry tomato, and sesame seeds.
• Castell d’Or Brut Rosé
  With a touch of colour and freshness, this fruity cava highlights the characteristics of the Trepat variety.
  Recommended pairing: Mini skewers of strawberry, fresh cheese, and mint.
• Cabaret Brut
  A cava with glamour and personality, offering a fresh and balanced experience.
  Recommended pairing: Blini with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
• Cossetània Gran Reserva
  For more refined palates, this cava offers complex nuances and a unique structure that elevates any celebration.
  Recommended pairing: Cheese cubes drizzled with honey and nuts.

💡 Tip: Serve the cavas in order of increasing intensity, starting with brut nature and finishing with the reserve or grand reserve.

4. Step-by-step: How to enjoy the tasting

• Hide the labels and have everyone describe the characteristics, appearance, and personality of each cava.
• Present it as a game: Emphasise that it’s about enjoying and sharing, not guessing correctly. Consider awarding a small prize for the best descriptions.
• Start with the visuals: Observe the colour, intensity, and bubbles in each cava. High-quality cavas like those from Castell d’Or will always have fine, persistent bubbles.
• Move on to the aromas: Encourage participants to identify scents. Do they detect floral notes? Fruits like apple or peach?
• Taste each cava: Sip slowly, letting it coat your palate. Discuss the acidity, body, and balance.
• Share impressions: The key is to have fun. Everyone can share what they like most or least about each cava.

Finally, reveal the tasting notes for each cava and compare them with participants’ observations.

5. Tips to keep the Christmas spirit alive

• Blind tasting: Hide the labels and have participants guess which cava is which.
• Pairing challenge: Each person selects a cava and suggests the best Christmas dish to pair it with.
• Opinion exchange: Use easy-to-understand tasting cards and let everyone rate the cavas.

6. Extend the fun with Secret Santa

After the tasting, a great way to keep the festive spirit going is to organise a Secret Santa. Here are some ideas to make it extra special:

• Choose gifts with a cava theme (glasses, wine accessories, bottles of Castell d’Or).
• Exchange gifts during the final toast.

Creating unforgettable moments

A cava tasting at Christmas is a simple yet delightful activity, perfect for bringing family or friends together during this special time of year. With Castell d’Or’s cavas, you can enjoy a high-quality experience while creating unforgettable moments. Adding a Secret Santa at the end will ensure the evening ends with laughter and joy.

Merry Christmas and cheers! 🥂