Wine is one of the most common beverages served at dinner parties, and it can be a tough one to pick out for your own party. With so many options to choose from, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have the right wine on hand if your guests have allergies or their preferences are different from yours. To make sure you have something everyone can enjoy, here are five tips to help you pick out the perfect natural wine for your next dinner party!
1) Is this your first time hosting?
No matter your skill level, there are some things you should know to get through your first dinner party without a hitch. You don’t have to be an expert to throw a great dinner party—in fact, some experts say novice hosts make better hosts! A little bit of planning will help ensure everything goes smoothly and doesn’t overwhelm you on what is supposed to be an enjoyable evening. Set yourself up for success by following these tips.
2) Do you have guests who don’t drink alcohol?
If any of your guests don’t drink alcohol, be sure to have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages on hand. It might be tempting to make a beer run, but resist. If you let your friends know in advance what will be available, they’ll plan accordingly and won’t expect anything else. Additionally, offer non-alcoholic drinks as a kind gesture to those who don’t drink—the same way you’d offer water or soda to anyone who is driving home from dinner. Forgoing alcohol doesn’t have to mean going without fun. Stick with mixers that complement one another and create a full menu that people will enjoy drinking throughout the evening without breaking into a sweat over it.
3) Do you have a variety of food avaliable?
Make sure you have a good variety of food available to make it easy for your guests. If you are planning on having something like pizza or wings make sure you have alternatives for people who do not eat meat or dairy. Even if they don’t end up eating your alternative it’s polite to offer it. Another reason to choose your food carefully is depending on what kind of wine you are serving; each style of wine goes better with certain types of food.
4) Do your guests have sulphite sensitivity?
Whether or not your guests are allergic to sulphites (sulfur dioxide), which are commonly used as a preservative in wine, is an important factor when choosing what to bring to a dinner party. Guests with sensitivity can experience discomfort ranging from mild to severe; it’s best not to take any chances. An alternative like sulphite free wine may be more appropriate. For those who don’t suffer from sensitivity, consider having one red and one white at your dinner party; it’s a popular choice among wine enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Whatever your wine preferences, you can easily choose a bottle to complement your food and impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a vintage wine or a brand new red, pairing delicious food with an equally satisfying glass of wine is always a great idea. Whether you’re hosting family, friends or business associates… raise a glass! Cheers!
