Consider hosting a wine and chocolate tasting party to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any romantic celebration really. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a Galentine’s Day celebration. I love to have chocolate and an irresistible Valentine’s Day Dessert Board nearby for guests to munch on.
Throw Your Own Wine and Chocolate Tasting Party
Send out wine tasting party invites
Try to send out invites 2-3 weeks ahead of your party if you can. Most of my friends are parents or busybodies, so they need to make arrangements in advance. I sent a quick Facebook to invite out to my friends because it was the fastest (and cheapest) way to get the word out. Save your money on invites to spend on the good stuff: wine and chocolate.
Wine Tasting Party supplies
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are great crowd-pleasing wines.
- A variety of chocolates. My favorites are Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel Chocolates.
- Red and White Wine Glasses
- Crackers
- Decorative items
How much wine should you buy for a party?
It depends on how many guests will be there and if they like to drink a lot of wine. There are 10 (2 oz.) pours in most wine bottles. If you want your guests to have at least 2 full glasses of wine throughout the party, I would buy 1 bottle for every two guests. According to Food and Wine Magazine, party guests tend to drink about 40% white wine and 60% red wine at events.
Decorate your party to fit your theme
The theme for the night was Galentine’s Day which is a spin on Valentine’s Day that involves celebrating your favorite ‘gal’ friends. I am in love with chalkboard crafts right now, so I incorporated that look throughout the party along with Valentine’s Day decor.
Wine and Chocolate Pairing Suggestions
There are two ways to host a wine and chocolate tasting party: one is to let your guests have free range on the varieties of wine and chocolate favors. You can have a self-paced tasting party where they choose what they want to pair together or you can lead the wine tasting party by making suggestions to your guests on what pairs well.
Given that I worked at a winery in college, I do know what I am talking about when it comes to wine and chocolate, but at the end of the day – whatever tastes best to you is all that matters. Here are some suggestions on what chocolates pair well with each wine varietal:
Suggested wine and chocolate pairings for parties
- Chardonnay with White Chocolate
- Pinot Noir with Dark Chocolate and/or Milk Chocolate
- Merlot with Dark Chocolate and/or Milk Chocolate
- Cabernet Sauvignon with Dark Chocolate and/or Strawberry Chocolate
Have fun and engage with your guests
Party favors that don’t disappoint
One of the favorite parts about having a wine and chocolate party is being able to send home treats with everyone to share (or not share) with their significant others. Once my husband got home the first thing he asked was if there were any leftovers!
Overall, the party was a HUGE success! Even if you don’t feel like hosting a large gathering you can have your own wine and chocolate tasting party with your significant other or with a best friend.
What are your favorite wine and chocolate pairings?
(Disclaimer: You must be 21 years of age to enjoy alcohol beverages)
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