If your group of friends love wine, alternate months for each to host at their home with this set up in mind.
Become a member of a wine of the month club, and host the parties with wine and food pairing suggestions that come with the monthly wines.
Visit with the wine sommelier at your local gourmet grocer to suggest wines and cheeses, fruits and chocolates to pair.
The tips and advice come via Beau-Coup's Idea Blog.
Wine and Cheese Party Overview
A wine and cheese party gives you an opportunity to enjoy and use your home bar and wine cellar. It is fun and an elegant way to entertain your friends and colleagues. A typical wine and cheese party is held in the evening. Here, you can serve a variety of wine and cheeses that go together. For this you may need to consult a sommelier, a wine expert, for the perfect wine and cheese pairing.
The Party Host's To-Do List
Pre-planning: A month before the party
A wine and cheese party is fairly easy to organize if you have the proper guidance and information. Take note of these basic things you need to accomplish before the event.
- Pick the date and season. Choose red wines during winter. Their full-bodied taste is perfect for the cold weather. Summer is great for crisp white wines and refreshing champagne. However, you can serve both on whatever day you chose for your party.
- Pick the venue. If you are planning an intimate party, then you can celebrate it at home. For a more formal function, a hotel or restaurant function room is a good option.
- Your guest list. Keep your guest list intimate since wine and cheese are quite pricey. Eight is the perfect number.
- Order and send your invites. It's easy to send your invites once you've got the major details of your party finalized. You can be creative and make your own wine and cheese party invitation. Or select one from a card store.
- Plan your budget. It is very important to plan out your budget ahead of time otherwise the cost may just exceed your expectations. Create a checklist with the cost of all the supplies, venue, and all other entertainment that you will provide during the party.
Planning the Details: 3 weeks before the party
This is the right time for you to plan the details of your party.
- Food – a wine and cheese party menu will consist mostly of wine and cheese. But you can also serve crackers that go well with the cheese and wine you're going to serve. You also have the option to serve a full meal, if you want to.
- Decorations – your decor will revolve around your table setting. You can place cheese and wine on separate tables that are dressed in elegant linen. You can also display your wine and cheese accessories like cheese knives, wine glasses, and silverware. Decorate your wine glasses with vineyard themed wine charms.
- Cheese and wine – the stars of the show. Ideas for what to serve can range from doing it by region. Or by pairing at least 5 kinds of wine and cheese.
- Favors – don't forget to give your guests an elegant “thank you” gift as a token of your event which they'll remember for a long time. How about a stainless steel spreader with wine cork candle? This would be a perfect favor for a wine and cheese party. Some other favor ideas include personalized wine glasses, wine charms, mini cheese grater favor, and wine cork candles. Any of our classy wine stoppers would also make a wonderful party favor.
Wine and Cheese Party Etiquette FAQs
A wine and cheese party is a rather formal event so it is very important to follow the social etiquette for such an event. Here are a few more things you need to know for the party:
Do I have to be an expert on wine and cheeses to have a Wine and Cheese Party? It will help if you already know even just a little bit about wines and cheeses. However, if you don't, then take this as a good opportunity to learn about them. You can also ask for some help from a restaurant's sommelier.
What kind of glasses do I need for the wine?
It is a good idea to provide different wine glasses for the party. For red wines you need a “big bell” glass which lets red wine “breathe” in the glass and allows you to savor its aroma. With white wines you need a smaller glass which keeps the wine cold. Meanwhile, champagnes are served in flute glasses which are designed to keep in the bubbles.
It is a good idea to provide different wine glasses for the party. For red wines you need a “big bell” glass which lets red wine “breathe” in the glass and allows you to savor its aroma. With white wines you need a smaller glass which keeps the wine cold. Meanwhile, champagnes are served in flute glasses which are designed to keep in the bubbles.
Can I make this party a potluck event?
Yes, you can. Assign your guests a region and ask them to bring a wine or cheese from that region. During the party, ask them to provide any fun or educational details about the wine and cheese that they brought from their assigned region. This will be interesting and entertaining for everyone at the party.
Yes, you can. Assign your guests a region and ask them to bring a wine or cheese from that region. During the party, ask them to provide any fun or educational details about the wine and cheese that they brought from their assigned region. This will be interesting and entertaining for everyone at the party.
What equipments/ appliances do I need for this kind of party?
Aside from wine glasses and cheese knives, keep a bucket of ice available for the party tub cooler to keep cold wines in. Don't forget a cutting board to cut the cheese. It's also helpful to have a mobile wine cart.
Bon appetit and enjoy your wine party!
Aside from wine glasses and cheese knives, keep a bucket of ice available for the party tub cooler to keep cold wines in. Don't forget a cutting board to cut the cheese. It's also helpful to have a mobile wine cart.
Bon appetit and enjoy your wine party!