Holiday Party Wine Ideas

It’s party season! I don’t mean raucous, party-till-the-sun-comes-up party season. I mean holiday party season. Chances are either you or someone you know will be throwing a party in the next few weeks. And this means there’s a certain expectation of both host and guest.

Alcoholic beverages are always part of a get-together. If you happen to be the party host, here are a few tips for what to have on hand to ensure your guests enjoy the festivities.

Don’t offer too many options; the more options you offer, the likelier it is for your guests to overindulge. They will want to try a little of this and a little of that. Before you know it, they may be trying to sleep it off a little on your floor. Stick to one or two types of alcoholic beverages. Wine or beer are the simplest but if you offer cocktails, stay with one type of spirit.

Do make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options such as bottled water, soda and juice. You can even make a non-alcoholic punch so your “designated driver” guests have something festive in their cups.

When serving wine, don’t buy every kind of wine you have ever liked. Again, too many options plus you’ll be left with open bottles of wine only half or less consumed; and open wine doesn’t have a long shelf life.

Do buy the basic wine varietals that go with lots of different foods such as the Gnarly Head Chardonnay California ($8). This Chardonnay is blended with Chenin Blanc and a few other varietals to give it a lusher and fruiter flavor. Your guests will find it easy drinking and something they can enjoy with cheeses, lighter appetizers and good conversation.

The Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon ($15) also from California is a must have. Nice aromas of blackberries and flavors reminiscent of biting into a juicy plum will have your guests sipping this wine along with portions of party meatballs or odds and ends from the charcuterie platter. It’s a very inviting Cabernet that can be enjoyed by all Cab lovers.

Throw a zinger into the fray! Try the Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel ($8). This is a big, bold wine with tons of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and vanilla flavors. Definitely a wine for those on your invite list who like to take charge of the party. So pour a glass for the guy who starts the game of charades or the chanteuse that gets the room singing one-hit wonders.

Don’t forget it’s a party at the most festive time of year. So do get some sparkling wine. Chateau Ste. Micelle offers a lovely Columbia Valley Brut Rosé ($13) that has bright cheerful blush color and drinks with light fruity flavors that burst to life with each little bubble pop. Serve it for a toast. Service it with sushi or Mexican-style empanadas. Or serve it with a wide variety of desserts; from chocolate chip cookies to cheesecake to bananas foster.