Looking for a holiday entertaining idea that is simple yet elegant? We have the perfect solution. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner party with a few friends, a holiday open house, or a New Year’s Eve bash, the key to a great party is careful planning and preparation. Open your home and host a party with a menu that includes food and wine pairing options. Choose a selection of wines along with 1-2 items to pair with each. Serve each selection at stations around your entertaining space or as separate courses for a seated meal. Start with the lightest white, move your way up to a big, rich red, and the grand finale, a sweet dessert wine.
GET THE PARTY STARTED
The Wines: 2020 Brut Rosé | 2020 Sparkling Madelyn
All holiday celebrations should start with bubbly as guests arrive. It’s a fun and festive way to begin. Create a sparkling wine bar for a memorable experience for your guests. Set out your sparkling flutes or stems on a kitchen island or table, and add small bowls of fresh fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or even pomegranate seeds. Invite guests to add a bit of fruit to their flutes, pour the bubbly, and Salute!
The Pairing: Sparkling wine pairs well with light appetizers, fresh fruit, and mild cheeses. Create a simple charcuterie board with grapes, strawberries, brie, camembert, chevre, and almonds.
Pro Tip: Sparkling wine and champagne should be stored in a cool place and put in the fridge the day before serving to ensure you reach the optimal temperature of 40-50 degrees.
THE MAIN EVENT
First Course
The Wines: 2021 Dry Rosé | 2021 Pinot Gris |2021 Vkat
These white wines are on the lighter side with bright, crisp fruit flavors and aromas.
The Pairing: These wines would pair well with the selections from the charcuterie board mentioned above as well as appetizers such as spinach artichoke dip, shrimp cocktail, or a brie baked in a pastry with caramelized onions.
Second Course
The Wines: 2020 Chardonnay | 2020 Rkatsiteli | 2021 Cuvée
Our wines here are slightly heavier-bodied and fruit-forward.
The Pairing: These wines would pair well with a starter such as a butternut squash soup, chowder, or a green salad dressed with vinaigrette and sliced pears or apples.
Pro Tip: White wines should be served between 52 and 62 degrees. While white wines should be chilled, they should not be stored in the fridge. Keep your white wines in a cool, dark cabinet or closet and move them to the refrigerator a few hours before you plan to serve to ensure proper chill. White wine should be served between 50-60 degrees.
Third Course
The Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon | Red Meritage | Cabernet Franc
These red wines will be big, rich, and flavorful.
The Pairing: These wines would pair well with any type of meat, prime rib, roast pork loin, or grilled lamb. Another option might be a tomato-based meat dish or wine-braised short ribs.
Pro Tip: We’ve heard that red wine should be served at “room temperature” but did you know that term came about in the days of stone, cold castles not today’s comfy, insulated homes? So, serving red on the cooler side is best, 62–68 degrees. We suggest opening the bottle and popping it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes prior to serving to ensure it reaches optimal temperature and has time to breathe.
THE FINALE
The Wines: Gewürztraminer | Dolce Razz | Riesling
The wines we recommend to pair with dessert are rich and sweet, the perfect finish to your meal.
The Pairing: These would pair well with a flourless chocolate cake, cherry, and berry pies, or even a simple selection of dark chocolates.
Make the most of this holiday season by hosting a memorable event. Gather a few friends and family members together, open a great selection of wines, offer a pairing for each, and let the festivities begin!
Ready to stock up for the holiday season? Take advantage of our Winemakers Select 4-Pack. A great price and four of our best-selling selections.
