Food to Serve at a Wine Party

by Kehan DeSousa

Overview

A wine party is an excellent chance to sample a variety of wines, and food is essential to complement the liquid refreshments. While appetizers add significantly to a guest's experience, the appetizers should never overshadow the wine itself.
Basics

Prepare about four to five items, depending on the number of guests. Make sure to offer at least one vegetarian option. Finger foods are essential, since a wine party is often an occasion to mingle and move among a larger group of people.

Considerations

A wine party revolves around the wine, so try not to overwhelm the wines with strongly flavored foods. Choose appetizers that are not excessively sweet or salty, and remember that bread products along with water provide excellent palate cleansers.
Staples

Cheese and lightly-salted water crackers are standard for wine parties. If you serve soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, crackers or bread are essential for spreading. Strongly flavored cheeses like Gorgonzola should be avoided, or paired strategically with a specific wine; otherwise, the cheese will detract from the subtlety of the wine.
Ready-to-Eat

Olives, marcona almonds, dried fruit, vegetable plates with simple dips, and cured meats alongside freshly baked bread also make tasty and simple appetizers.
Prepared Dishes

Appetizers such as stuffed grape leaves, bruschetta, tapenade, and marinated mushrooms on picks can be handmade or purchased, and provide a robust addition to a wine party menu while remaining easy to eat.

Overview