How to Throw a Wine Party

Wine themed parties don't have to cost a fortune! Throw your friends a fun wine-themed bash that is sure to please even those with the most refined palettes. Read on about how to keep it simple which will make set up and clean up a snap.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10-12 bottles of wine ranging from white to deep reds.
• plastic wine glasses
• plastic/rubber grapes
• party napkins
• party plates
• cheese and cracker platters
• pretzels
• other finger foods optional.

1. Wine selection may be the hardest step. If you are a pro, select bottles that reflect your taste. If you are new to wines, ask someone at a wine store to help you select a variety from white sweeter varietals to merlots. Some tasty in-between favorites like roses and syrahs are good to have. Pinos and Cabernets are a must.

2. Plan to have cheese platters at your party to pair with your wines. Pretzels in dishes can also accompany the wine selections and may help to clear the palettes of your guests.

3. Find one location that would be suitable for setting up both wines and plastic wine glasses. If your wines need chilling set them in ice buckets. The plastic glasses are a must for easy clean up and for preventing costly and hazardous accidents with glass.

4. Research information about your wines and tape it to the sides of the bottles. This becomes your conersation piece as guests meet up to pour thier wines.

5. Have a bucket or large jar for guests to pour out the wines they dislike. Clear water in another jar can help guests to rinse their glasses as well.

6. keep decor simple by purchasing rubber grapes at art supply stores, or keep the decor to wine-themed napkins, plates, etc. Place rubber grapes around your cheese platters and around other optional finger foods.

7. Remember to tell your guests that appetizers and wine will be served so that they know not to arrive on a completely empty stomach.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a back-up of a few of the most popular varietals.
• Have water and soda available for those who don't drink.
• Pre-open half of the wine-bottles as guests begin to arrive. Monitor each hour to see if more bottles need opening. Discard empty bottles immediately so they don't get knocked over.

[ramblin62]

on 10/20/2009 This sounds like a fun party idea! I can see this working well if each guest brought a favorite wine and shared a bit about it with the group. Tx.

[heidilinw]

on 6/3/2009 www.wineforhumanity.com host wine tastings and make money..

[kittycooks]

on 6/1/2009 Wow, sounds like fun! I especially like decorating the wine party with grapes!

[kp3028]

on 6/1/2009 Maybe this would be a good thing for several people to do together for a summer evening with friends. 10-12 bottles of good wines can get a bit pricey.