High-touch hospitality begins with your mindset.

People from many walks of life find themselves in wine: Scientists, showstoppers, leaders, savants - introverted, extroverted, or dabbling in a little of both. While our personalities may vary greatly, we have many things in common, chief among them a passion for wine, and the responsibility to support that passion through high-touch hospitality.

Being a gracious host is an art form that blends warmth, attentiveness and thoughtfulness to ensure your guests feel welcomed and valued. Whether you’re hosting a small trade tasting or a large celebration, how you make your guests feel will be remembered long after the event is over.

A gracious host puts in the time and effort beforehand to make the gathering run smoothly, ensuring their guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. Thoughtful preparation helps you be more relaxed when the event begins, and it’s that sense of calm that your guests will appreciate.

Tailor the experience to your guests’ preferences. Consider dietary restrictions, music preferences or conversational topics that could spark interest. If you know a guest loves a particular vintage, making sure it’s available is a personal touch that shows you care.

Creating a welcoming space can be a challenge in remote or rustic locations, but extra effort in this area will set the tone for your interaction. Even in the woods on a mountainside vineyard, fresh flowers, soft lighting and a clean space show you’ve put thought into making your tasting space an enjoyable place to spend time.

When your guests arrive, greeting them with genuine warmth and enthusiasm sets the tone for the entire event. A gracious host makes each person feel important and welcome. When your guests arrive, try to personally greet each one. A warm smile, handshake or hug goes a long way in making people feel appreciated. Avoid last-minute rushing so that you’re present when the first guest arrives.

If your guests don’t all know each other, be proactive in making introductions. Help them find common ground by mentioning shared interests or experiences. This not only breaks the ice but encourages conversation and camaraderie among your guests, relieving pressure on you to lead the entire conversation.

Ensure guests feel at ease in their surroundings. Upon arrival, offer a Welcome Splash. This small gesture makes them feel immediately welcome and provides a conversation starter. If the event is outdoors, ensure there’s adequate shade, seating or heat if necessary. Indoors, adjust the room temperature and provide comfortable seating so no one is too hot, cold, or cramped. Let guests know where they can find the restroom, hang their coats or help themselves to water. Giving them the information they need to feel self-sufficient removes any awkwardness.

Balance attentiveness with space to relax; being available to your guests without hovering is key. While you may have tasks to attend to, like opening wine or checking on food, make sure to spend time with each of your guests. Engage in conversations, listen actively and make sure everyone feels included. Your guests should feel that you enjoy having them in your space.

If the gathering is large, plan in advance to delegate tasks to an event planner or support staff. Having adequate support gives you more time to engage with your guests, which is why you’ve invited them to visit in the first place.

Pay attention to the energy of your guests. Is someone feeling left out or uncomfortable? Do guests seem hungry or thirsty? Subtly addressing these needs—without making them feel singled out—demonstrates care and thoughtfulness.

If the group dynamic stalls, be ready with a few conversation starters or engaging questions. Help guide discussions in a way that includes everyone and encourages participation, but don’t force it. Let conversations flow naturally and intervene only when necessary.

Even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected bumps. Whether the food takes longer to prepare, guests arrive late, or a conversation topic goes off track, part of being a gracious host is maintaining a positive, adaptable attitude. Remain calm and cheerful; your guests will follow your lead. A gracious host takes mishaps in stride and doesn’t let them disrupt the flow of the event.

As your event winds down, personally thank each guest for coming. If appropriate, send a follow-up message the next day to express how much you appreciated their presence. This simple gesture leaves a lasting impression.

The goal of any gathering should be to ensure that guests leave with fond memories of the time spent together. A gracious host doesn’t just focus on the event itself but considers how to extend that feeling of warmth and connection after the gathering is over.

Remember, the best hosts focus not on themselves but on how they can make others feel valued—and that’s the key to creating meaningful connections with your guests.