A Reason to W(h)ine

A Reason to W(h)ine  “Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” – Andre SimonFall is creeping up faster than we have a chance say goodbye sangria season, but whoever said the fun has to stop after summer?! Hosting a wine tasting party is the perfect way to say au revoir to summer and bonjour to fall. With 10 vino options for under $15 and lots of cheese, your friends will be begging you to throw a party every week. InvitationsSet a date for your party and create invitations that scream, "Party time!" Your guests will counting down the days. I recommend keeping the guest list under 10 people. This way it will be more intimate and not overcrowded. If you wish to have guests contribute or make a donation to the very important cause of drinking wine, include this information on the invitation.The invitations pictured can be purchased online at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/95367466/wine-tasting-invitations-postcard?ref=tre-2722932364-6WINE. WINE. WINE.  “Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” – Ernest HemingwayHere is a list of red and white wines to get your shopping list started:Red Wines

1.  2009 Lindeman’s Bin 40 Merlot
2. 2009 Morse Code Shiraz
3. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage 2010
4. 2009 Esser Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
5. 2008 Brancott South Island Pinot Noir

White Wines

1.  2011 Ecco Domani Moscato 2011
2. 2009 Brooks Amycas
3. Frisk Prickly Riesling 2011
4. 2011 Bandana Chardonnay-Torrontés
5. d'Arenberg The Stump Jump White 2010

If these don’t strike your fancy, ask an expert at a local wine shop for more options of the best buys at affordable costs.AppetizersPick foods that are bite size and easy to eat. Less the mess! Try antipasti kabobs, a cheese bar filled various cheese and crackers, fruit kabobs, and dark chocolate.Additional pairings can be found at : http://www.savory.tv/food-wine-pairing/Taste Wine like a (semi) ProStart by tasting the lightest white wines first and continue to the darkest red wines.Hold the glass only by the stem, since the heat of your hand will quickly warm the wine. This is a really easy one to forget...we are not drinking hot-cocoa, friends!Pour about 1 inch into a glass and note the color. Give the glass a good swirl for about 10 to 20 seconds, this allows oxygen into the wine. Take a deep sniff, continuing to do so as the wine settles in the glass. What is your first impression? Is the aroma strong or weak, what fruit flavors can you smell?Next, take a sip of the wine and move it around your mouth as if you are chewing it.Now consider what impression the wine is making. Is the palate weak or concentrated, what flavors can you detect and finally, does the wine make a strong impression or is it instantly forgotten after you swallow the remainder? Voilà, you’re a (semi) pro wine taster! Tasting NotesBy keeping wine tasting notes, you’ll be sure to remember what wine you absolutely can’t live without and which wines that made you cringe. Include the name of the wine, the aroma, color, flavor, and your overall evaluation. You’ll be happy you wrote it down after your third or fourth glass…Pre-party RemindersPut white wines on ice about 45 minutes before guests arrive so they are nicely chilled, and have napkins, utensils, and small plates in numerous places to help avoid any messy situations. You will also want water glasses for rinsing the mouth and cups for spitting in if necessary.Music is a must! Set the ambiance by playing a mix of Miles Davis, Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, and throw in your favorites.Most importantly, do not stress out! This is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Hey, if you need a glass before your guests arrive, go right ahead! There is no better place to w(h)ine than enjoying a night filled with drinks, food, and great friends. ‘Tis the season for wine, let the tasting begin!Cheers,Kaitlin Christenson, Serendipitous Events Intern