Summer is a great time for food-centered social activities. The weather is great for eating outdoors, meaning that people with small homes can utilize their yards or even local parks and invite as many of their friends and family as they want.
I love hosting small get-togethers with friends. This year, my focus has been on brunch, because who doesn’t love a good mimosa in the morning? I also like to host wine and cheese tastings for my friends who love wine. Here’s how we set them up for maximum fun and class.
Find a Theme
When it comes to wine, you can pick a theme based on any number of factors. A few choices are:
- Country of origin
- Varietal
- Main taste profile (sweet, dry, etc)
- Colour
If you build the theme around the wine, it’s easy to pick matching cheeses and music to accompany the night. If a region is involved, your theme can even affect your décor and outfits.
Focus on the Pairings
Of course you’re having a tasting to spend time with your friends, but the wine is the real star of the night. Be sure to pick pairings that are complementary. Have everyone sit down and taste together, then comment on each pairing. After the main tasting, you can mix and match to find fun new combinations.
Not sure where to start with pairing ideas? Here are some articles to get you started:
If you’re tasting wines you’ve never tried before, print off some information about the vineyard and the style of wine. Who says you can’t learn things while you drink?
Great Summer Pairings
When it comes to summer food, the lighter the better. So the following pairing suggestions are light and fresh, and don’t require warm melty cheeses.
- Fresh Goat Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc (or Rosé)
- Iberico Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
- Bleu Cheese with a Sweet, Sparkling Pink Champagne
- Camembert and an Extra Dry Champagne
These are just a few fun tips for hosting a summer wine and cheese tasting for your friends. Have you hosted events like this before? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!
Jeriann Watkins blogs at dairyairhead.com. Feel free to check her out on Twitter
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