Wine and Entertaining – A few tips and guidelines for the holidays

2011 November 22 by Jess

Tis the season for entertaining! And no get-together is complete without wine to accompany the
occasion! But what should you serve? And how much should you have on hand? Here are some quick
tips and guidelines for incorporating wine into this year’s holiday festivities.

Greet guests with a glass of bubbly! No matter the size or scope of your party, sparkling wine is the
perfect aperitif, and many believe that bubbles serve to stimulate the appetite. There’s an abundance
of sparklers out there to choose from these days. The best values can be found in Prosecco (Italy) and
Cava (Spain), but if you’re ready for a splurge, head straight for Champagne!

Determining how much wine to have on hand can seem like a shot in the dark, especially if you aren’t
aware of your guests’ habits and preferences. If you’re serving other alcoholic beverages, too, it can
seem even more complicated. Just plan on 3 glasses of wine per person where wine is the principal
beverage being served and count on filling 5 glasses of wine per bottle.

Context is everything, so consider the type of party you’re hosting when deciding on wine. A casual
get-together means you should keep things simple. One white and one red will be all you need in most
cases. If you’re hosting a potluck, for example, opt for something versatile that will pair well with lots
of different flavors. Some of my favorites that are also easy on the wallet hail from Spain and southern
France.

Even if your plans include a multi-course formal meal, it’s best not to get carried away with too many
wines. Talk to your favorite wine monger about the details of your menu and choose three, at most, for
dinner. Options might include a white with the first courses, red with your main courses and a sparkling
or dessert wine to complete the meal. And remember this cardinal rule of food and wine pairing: it’s
not so much what you’re serving as how it’s being prepared. Pair wine to the seasonings and cooking
method as opposed to simply the starch or protein.

If a cocktail party is in the works this season, how about exploring the emerging world of wine cocktails?
Hundreds of recipes can be found doing a simple web search. When choosing your base wine, stick to
simple, fruit-driven whites and reds. Multi-layered, complex wines are best enjoyed on their own. Or
try your hand at mulled wine this year! The recipe is simple and often includes a combination of red
wine, Port, brandy, triple sec, brown sugar and a bundle of spices including allspice berries, bay leaf,
cinnamon sticks and cloves.

And when you’re the guest this holiday season, don’t forget a bottle of wine for your host! If you’re not
sure what they like, bring a bottle of something you love and include a recipe card for a favorite pairing.
Just remember, you needn’t spend more than $15 on a great bottle of wine and don’t waste money on a
wine bag, just roll the bottle up in a piece of tissue paper and tie a ribbon around the neck.