Wine Article Index

7 Rules to Hosting a

Great Wine Party

When planning a wine party there are several factors to consider and they fall into three basic categories.  First, are all the concerns associated with cost.  Hosting a wine party can cost a small fortune but doesn’t have to. Don’t worry I will suggest several ways that you can keep the cost manageable while still providing your guests with a wonderful night.  Second, are all the concerns surrounding the wine that will be served.  How much to buy, what types to buy, what to spend on each bottle.  The answer lies in your guests.  Lastly, are all the non-wine concerns. For example what to serve along side the wine, how much food to serve and how to display and present the wines. 

Ok, so now you’re thinking, “I have all these concerns, maybe I’ll just throw a regular dinner party”.  Not so fast, keep reading I promise I will answer all of your questions.  In fact I have come up with 7 simple rules that will ensure that your wine party is talked about long after the last glass is emptied. 

To keep it simple, we’ll number them in order:

Question number one: How much wine should be served? 

Generally you should think of 1 bottle for every 2 people.  If you take that to heart, then if you have 10 guests, you’d need 5 bottles, well actually 6 when you add in you and your partner to make 12.  Considering this is a wine tasting, some people might not like one or two of the wines served so be sure to have a few extra on hand . We say supply 2 extra bottles and you’re safe.  If you follow this rule then you should not run out nor have little left over. 

RULE NUMBER ONE: Divide the total people at the party by 2 (don’t forget to add yourself), and then add 2 extra bottles… If you have more than 20 guests, add a 3rd bottle)

Question number two: What types of wines should be served?

This is where your guests come in.  Simply ask each couple to bring one bottle of wine.  Surprise, that’s 1 bottle for every 2 people.  The real benefit of this is that you don’t have to decide what kinds of wine to buy; your guests do it for you (and look at that, your cost for the party just dipped drastically).  Regardless of whether or not you put a price limit on it your guests will be happy to bring the wine.  Don’t forget, most house guests usually bring a gift anyway, so bringing the wine is not a stretch.  In fact, many people will bring wine anyway.

RULE NUMBER TWO: Let your guests supply the diversity of wines. 

Question number three: How should the wine be displayed or presented? 

A requirement of attending your party is that your guests must fill out a 3x5 index card with the following information:

• The name of the wine

• The price they paid

• The store they bought it from

• The reason they bought it and what they like about it

Simply place this card next to the bottle and not only will you have an organized and unique presentation but your guests will have all the info they need to buy their favorite wines at a later date.  Have extra cards on hand for your guests to keep notes on their favorites.    

RULE NUMBER THREE: Let your guests tell you why they bought the wine they bought.

Question number four: How much should be spent on each bottle of wine? 

Your guests will determine the price for the wine that they buy unless you set a limit.  It really is as easy as that.

RULE NUMBER FOUR: Your guests will set the price for the wines they buy, unless you set a limit for them, like no wines over $15.

Question number five: What to serve with the wine? 

We suggest you simply buy a variety of cheeses and dips along with crusty French bread and crackers.  Be sure to buy crackers that have neutral taste so everyone tastes the wine and cheese, not the crackers.  Water and soda crackers work well, as does flat breads, but we love the very crusty types of French Artesian breads made in fine bakeries.  Remember to vary the cheeses from hard to soft, sharp to mild.  Grapes, sliced apples and honey also work extremely well.  Obviously you supply these (so far all you have had to buy is the “extra” bottles of wine and the food, told you it didn’t have to cost a fortune).

If you intend to serve a meal, we suggest things like pasta with a mild red sauce for the red wines and a white clam sauce for the white wines.  Or you might try a simple grilled fish like tuna for the white.  Don’t over spice them so they don’t conflict with the wines.  Of course you would supply the meal as well.

RULE NUMBER 5: Buy a variety of cheeses and fruits; they go extremely well with most every wine, white and red.  If you intend to serve a meal, serve foods that are under-spiced.  That way it won’t conflict with the wines.  If people prefer some spice, let them add it themselves to their taste.  To keep costs down choose pasta served with either red or white sauce (a white clam sauce, not a creamy Alfredo).  Both types work and are inexpensive.

Question number six: How much food should be served? 

This is a hard one because of the many decisions you need to make:  Cheese and fruits only, meal only, or a combination of the two.  So for this question, we suggest you use your best judgment.

RULE NUMBER 6: Determine your food choices and then ask your supermarket owner, or use your best judgment.  That usually works best, but don’t worry… left over foods taste good the day after.

Question number seven: What if my guests don’t like the wines I serve?    

This will not be a problem because each person will at least like the wine they brought and with enough diversity amongst the offerings there will likely be several others they will like as well.  The discussions surrounding the wines and the comparisons between them will create dynamic conversation and keep the evening going with great fun and energy.

RULE NUMBER 7: Your guests will love the wines so don’t worry about question number seven.

Now for some suggestions:

• Make it a Theme party, such as white wines only, or Burgundy only

• Ask people to dress up; perhaps even wear tuxedo’s and gowns: after all… that’s what the “snobs” do.

• How about making it a quarterly event, rotating from home to home.  You’ll get to try lots of great wines that way. 

• People should buy wines they like and be prepared to discuss why.  For some that means they might have to have a wine tasting of their own in order to select THE wine for your party.  That just extends the fun.

• Giving the price and location where purchased helps others to know where to get the wines they liked.

• Put an upside limit on how much people can spend, that way no one will feel cheap if they bring an inexpensive wine

• Finally, read our reviews and bring some of them to the party as your picks.  You’ll be the star of the night.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY!!!

NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

~WA