Bon Vivant: (n) a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink.

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How to Pick a Dinner Party Wine

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Event Planning, Events, Gift Guide, Helpful Hints, Wine Pairing, Wine Recommendations

Don’t be overwhelmed by endless options!

It’s easy to become paralyzed in a wine shop when shopping for a wine gift.  It’s hard enough to know our own tastes, but the task becomes exponentially harder if you don’t know the hosts’ taste- or what they might be serving.

So the next time you’re standing paralyzed in front of a wine aisle, consider these tips:

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Pick a wine that plays well with others

These are wines that please a variety of tastes and potentially pair with a variety of cuisines. For a better sense of what this means and specific recommendations, check out my post on pairing with small plates, or this one on Thanksgiving pairings.

Have a budget in mind

This will be one of the first questions someone helping you will ask.  A range of $18-$25 is typically what I stick to for basic dinner party wines.

Go with what you know

If you have a “tried and true” that you love, there’s a good chance your hosts will like it, too!

When in doubt, pick bubbly

Most people like it, and it pairs well with a variety of foods!

Rely on the sales staff

Staff at a reputable wine store will know their stock better than anyone, and I’ve found great new favorites by taking the word of a trusted shop owner. Trust me, they help people in your situation every day!

 What are your favorite wines to bring to a dinner party?

cheers

 

Photo Credit: Boxhill Photography, LLC

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