Its hard to be creative when bringing a host/hostess gift to an event.
May it be a dinner, a girls get together, or just a friendly gift in general,
I know that I am always thinking of what to get. Usually my go to for a social event is wine.
{Not too much as one must be a lady at all times, wink wink}.
More often than not the host/hostess will enjoy it and or will use if at the event.
Luckily, I am blessed with a neighbor that is in the wine industry.
Steve Thomas, {Vice President of National and Retail Sales} of Vintage Point, “Partners in Wine”.
His company represents quite a few labels. It is a smaller company so they are able to focus
on independent wine producers and the specialty trade that supports them.
With such a wealth of knowledge living across the street,
I thought “Bingo“, Steve would be a wonderful resource for the holiday season.
The perfect person to find out which wines to pair with food.
Of course the wines that he suggested are the wonderful ones he represents.
They are all incredibly grand and taste worthy.
I have purchased quite a few of them over the years,
as well as I have been a guinea pig trying a few of them out.
{Oh no don’t twist my arm}
Now with not much ado, here are his suggestions:
A dinner party and or appetizer party must start off with a good luck toast,
Luna Pinot Grigio, pairs well with most appetizers and or a great way to start ones palate off.
Hints of Asian spice full-bodied texture carry through a delicious lemony finish from the Albarino grape.
{Photo via Luna Vineyards}
***Steve’s wine suggestion for cheese and crackers and the possible inclusion of prawns:
BR Cohn “Napa Valley” Grieve Family Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc – 2011v,
Gary Farrell “Sonoma County” Russian River Sauvignon Blanc – 2011v.
{Photo via Gary Farrell Winery}
Both wines have notes of honey and vanilla and varietal fruit.
Light and crisp, perfect for an appetizer event!
***Steve’s great suggestion for chicken and or poultry would be a bold.
Earthy and buttery tones that go well with a poultry dish such as:
Creamy chicken and risotto.
His Chardonnay choices are Garnet “Sonoma Coast”, and Educated Guess, Napa Valley.
{Photo via Educated Guess}
Pinot Noir’s blend wonderfully with salmon or turkey.
His suggestions are, Garnet “Carneros” Pinot Noior-2010 v,
Gary Farrell’s “Sonoma” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir-2010 v.
***Steve recommends for a heavy meat dish such as steak,
a bold Cabernet Sauvignon is good choice to pair with such a meal.
The wines that would be a fantastic choice are:
Educated Guess “Napa Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon 2010-v,
Hidden Ridge “Sonoma County” Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007-v.
Ending your meal with a dessert or sipping wine can help to round out the meal.
Any of these wines can be presented as hostess gifts.
Pinterest, has some creative gift wrapping ideas for wine.
{Photo via Pinterest}
So the next time you have a gathering to attend to,
you won’t be full of empty ideas in the wine department.
Happy Holidays!
