Ahhhh, Wine!
Wine is one of those drinks that can bring people together. Whether it’s a casual gathering at home or a special occasion, sharing a nice bottle of wine creates a fun and relaxing atmosphere. But in today’s busy world, there’s so much to do and so little time. So why not find some unique and creative ways to share the bottle with friends and family? Here are some ideas that might help you enjoy your bottle of wine even more!
Organize a Virtual Wine Tasting
A virtual wine tasting is a great way to celebrate with friends and family without having to worry about travel and logistics. All you need is a good quality internet connection and a selection of bottles of different wines. Get your friends to bring their own selection, or order a variety of bottles online. Set up the video call on a platform such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. This will allow everyone to put their wine glasses in front of their screens so everyone can toast together. Each person can then give their review of each bottle and add a rating. Bonus points if you can find a winemaker who is willing to join the tasting and give the (true) lowdown on the wine.
Explore Interesting Pairings
If your friends are coming over for a casual gathering, why not explore some interesting pairings with your wine? A great way to do this is to have a cheese platter ready with a few types of cheese that highlight or compliment the flavors of the wine you are drinking. Of course, don’t forget to include charcuterie meats, crackers and nuts to give everyone something to nibble on. This will create a fun atmosphere as your guests explore the different combinations and discover the perfect pairings.
Host a Wine “Scavenger Hunt”
Who says that a wine night has to be boring? Spice it up by hosting a “scavenger hunt”! Create a list of interesting “items” that your guests can search for, within a pre-defined area. These items could include obscure items such as a bottle of bathtub wine, a piece of vintage glassware or even a pair of red shoes. Once all the items have been found, your guests can all come back together and share their finds with the group. The prizes for each scavenger hunt item could be a glass of the coveted bottle of wine, or perhaps a discounted bottle of wine from the local winery. The possibilities are endless!
Create an Authentic Italian Aperitivo
Want to bring a bit of Italy to your next gathering? Create an authentic Italian-style Aperitivo night! Set up a variety of Italian food and wine including a few different types of olives, anchovies, and cheeses. Serve a selection of wines such as Prosecco, Lambrusco and reds such as Chianti and Barolo. Visit the local Italian store for some authentic Italian dishes to complete the evening. This is a perfect way to share the joy of Italian hospitality with friends and family.
Have a Wine Olympics
Why not have some fun with your friends and play some silly and creative games? For example, you could organize an Olympic-style competition with a variety of wine related events such as grape stomping, cherry spitting, or blindfolded wine tasting. You can combine it with other elements by adding food tasting and even trivia. Play a “vintage song” game where guests have to guess the year of a song release. Come up with your own games and make sure to award medals or prizes!
Organize a Wine and Food Pairing Class
Are you and your friends foodies? Why not try your hand at organizing a wine and food pairing class? Invite your attendees to bring a bottle of wine, a favorite food, and a few tastings of a more expensive bottle of wine. Then, each guest can take turns teaching the class how to pair food and wine and make suggestions to each other. The end result will be a fun and educational evening for everyone!
Summary
Sharing a bottle of wine with friends and family can create a fun and relaxed atmosphere. But why not get creative and try some unique ways to make the evening even more special. Try a virtual wine tasting, explore interesting pairings, or host a wine “scavenger hunt”. You could also organize an authentic Italian Aperitivo, or have a “Wine Olympics” with creative wine related activities. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could even organize a wine and food pairing class! Whatever you decide to do, everyone is sure to have a great time.
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