Valentine’s Day is for love, and what better way to celebrate it than with a classy yet fun wine-tasting party?
Whether you are hosting an intimate evening for two or something a little larger with friends and family, a Valentine’s wine-tasting party is just the thing for great wines, delicious food, and excellent company. So, here is all you need to know about creating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day wine-tasting experience.
Setting the Scene
Theme: Wine with an ode to Valentine’s romance—blush pinks, reds, and whites for a tinge of romance.
Tablecloth: Begin with something significant, say a 120″ round sparkly pink tablecloth. It adds a little glamour and gets the evening going.
Napkin Rings: Acrylic Napkin Ring Vases can be used with fresh flowers placed in them and strewn around the table to create an effect—a bit of finesse, a personal flair.
Floral Arrangements:
Roses: Try some nice-looking roses, like Trader Joe’s cabbage roses, to create a ‘date-night’ feel. Place these floral arrangements in napkin ring vases or small groupings around the room.
Lighting
Twinkle Lights: Hang up twinkle lights to help you create a warm, magical atmosphere. This lighting will surely give your wine-tasting space a very intimate feel, making it inviting to those attending.
Planning the Wine Tasting
Selecting the Wines
Choose wines from four categories: Champagne, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Rosé. This makes sure that there is something for everyone.
Price Range: Based on your affordability, it can be anything from that budget-friendly bottle at $2.99 to that big-ticket bottle at $40 or more.
Preparing the wine
Blind Tasting: jute wine bags are used to conceal the labels on the bottles of wine. This ensures unbiased taste testing and adds some fun to it.
Glassware: While real glassware is ideal, consider having plastic glasses as an overflow option. Stemless wine glasses and flutes can be purchased affordably during sales.
Tasting Sheets:
Printouts: Each guest will receive a tasting sheet where they can rate the wines and guess which they thought were the most/least expensive. This interactive element adds to the competitive edge of the wine themed party.
Creating a Delicious Spread
Appetizers and Snacks
- Mini sandwiches: these can range from simple jalapeno cheese sandwiches to yummy BBQ sliders.
- French fries: who doesn’t love French fries? Keep them with some delicious dips on the side, like garlic mayo and ranch.
- Charcuterie Board: An excellent, integral charcuterie board is a must. Add an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Main Course
- Salmon with asparagus
- Spaghetti with meatballs
- Whole turkey/chicken roast
- Burgers with a salad bar
Dessert
- Mini cakes
- Tarts
- Cheesecakes
- Chocolates
- Fruit bowls
- Chocolate fountain with fruits
Personal Touches
Table Gifts: Give small, more thoughtful gifts, such as heart-shaped wine openers for the ladies and small cigars for the men. These gestures put a special touch on your event for each guest.
Special Seating: If you are having dinner for a couple, set up an intimate table for two in a small area, like an entryway. This can add that touch to the evening to make it unique.
Capturing Memories
Photos: A few candid shots and some posed group pictures will help retain the memories of the evening.
Share the experience: Have guests share the part of the night they liked the most. Not only does it engage everyone, but it also gives fabulous feedback for events in the future.
Remember, the time one spends together as a family or with your partner makes the entire gathering unique. So relax, make some really good memories, and have fun while doing it all.
