This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Oh wine, how I love you (even if I am a lightweight, hee-hee). I’m getting ready to plan a small gathering of friends and decided to call it a wine party. Planning a wine party can be super fun. Since I’m keeping mine small and simple, it’s going to easy breezy and stress free. Let’s take a look at some of my plans and tips!
First things first — you’ll always want to start with a date! Once you’ve settled on that, it’s time to make a guest list. This will help you prepare accordingly. You might want to snatch up my Party Planning Checklist for use too!
Now to make a list of supplies. Must-haves for me include:
- Wine Glasses
- Wine Charms
- Food Labels
- Appetizer Plates
- Silverware
- Water Pitcher
- Plastic cups for water
I’m going with a more simple/rustic approach, so nothing fancy schmancy for me. I’m deciding between these food label ideas and leaning towards the DIY Birch Holders. What do you think?
If you are going with a theme or color, you’ll want to keep those in mind when shopping for your supplies.
I think planning the menu is the most fun! On my food and drink list, I’ve started with:
- Palate Cleansers (water and crackers)
- Wine
- Appetizers
I’ve decided to feature a few wines from Sonoma-Cutrer, which include their recent exclusive Winemaker’s Release: Sauvignon Blanc. This is the first-time Sonoma-Cutrer has created a wine outside of the two varietals for which they are known for – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir!
You guessed it — those are the three wines I’ll be serving. Two whites and one red. I’m more of a white wine drinker and my husband is more of a red wine drinker, so I think these choices are a win-win. Take a look at their wine tasting notes:
Now for the food. I always like to to do a little research on pairing appropriate appetizers with the wine. So, I’ll be picking up some cheese, crackers/pita chips, grapes, sesame breadsticks and I’m thinking about serving a couple of the following appetizers too:
Mushroom Phyllo Bites
Crab Meat Hors D’oeuvres
Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
Roasted Red Pepper with Feta Dip
I think the planning is coming along… and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve been reminded of the time my sister and I held a Wine and Cheese Party. We had everyone RSVP by signing up for a wine and cheese pairing. I think we had over 15 different wines and cheeses. It was AWESOME! That is a another great way to host a wine party. Just hold it an hour or two after dinner, so no one is starving but willing to snip and snack.
I wanted to share a little more about Sonoma-Cutrer wines. Did you know that they have a wine club that offers exclusive wines and 3 shipments/year to members? You might consider joining and find some of your own new favorite wines.I’d love to hear if you give Sonoma Cutrer’s wines a try! Looking to plan a trip to wine country? Sonoma-Cutrer also has vineyard and Winery Tours tours with wine tasting in Sonoma! Yes, please!
I’d love to hear if you give Sonoma Cutrer’s wines a try!
Be sure to follow along with them around the web too:
Sonoma-Cutrer Facebook| @SonomaCutrer | Sonoma-Cutrer Instagram
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Joann Woolley says
I need to host a wine party just so I can implement these great tips… that’s a reasonable excuse, right?
Kelly Rowe says
It a great excuse Joann! Sounds like a great idea. 🙂 Go for it and have lots of fun!! Enjoy the rest of your week. HUGS.
Joann Woolley says
Yes – I think I will! Now if only I can get some of the wine sponsored haha!
Benita says
I would go with the DIY Birch Holders. They add a little bit of a rustic element to an elegant event. I love having wine parties, even though I don’t drink wine. I like the foods and the ambiance of it all! 🙂 Even casual wine parties are so much fun and so enjoyable for everyone! I’ve been doing research on wine and cheese pairings over the past few months and am learning so much about how the flavors blend and compliment each other! The hubby has never tried these wines, but I will definitely keep an eye out for them, as he always likes trying a new wine. He’s a red drinker…goes better with is cigar! 😉 Have a great party and a great day!
Kelly Rowe says
It sounds like you have read up on wine parties and are ready to have a great one! …and I think your husband would enjoy really these wines! Have a great day. xo.
amy @ one artsy mama says
What a great idea for a party…sounds like so much fun! I’m a white wine girl too.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Amy! White wine is the best! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day. xo.
Alicia says
Love this idea. Thanks for the fab tips. The birch holder is my fav 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Alicia! Yes, I have to agree…the birch holders are pretty fabulous! 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your week. HUGS.
linda (burlap+blue) says
what great tips! I love throwing wine parties, and I’ll definitely be referencing this post in the future!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Linda! Appreciate you stopping by. Have a great day! xo.
Kristin says
I love this idea!! I got a wine game for a christmas present at one point in time and I’ve never used it. I should break it out and use your tips to have a wine party!! I’ve got a linkup going on called Thursty Thursday. i would love it if you stopped by and linked up this post! It would be a great addition!! hopelesslyeverafter.blogspot.com
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Kristin! Appreciate it. Sounds like that wine game would be perfect for a wine party! 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend. HUGS.
Kristy as Giftie Etcetera says
The tip about using playing cards and such is awesome for cheese trays. Looking forward to holding a wine party.
(Linked to you from Tator Tots link-up!)
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Kristy! Appreciate it…and the link up! 🙂 There are such fun, creative things that can be done at wine parties – the playing cards is a favorite. Enjoy the rest of your day. HUGS.
Olivia Online says
I appreciate that while this was a sponsored post, it wasn’t a hard sell. I have been thinking about a wine party lately and these are helpful suggestions. Thanks. (BTW, this is my first visit to your blog – I’ll be back!)