Wine Tasting - ?s and Vent

sapphireb

We are hosting a wine tasting (informal) this coming Saturday, and almost 30 people have not responded to the evite or RSVPed in any way.

So frustrating! We do know at least 24 people are coming though.

Anyway...how much seating do we need? I know you are not supposed to have a seat for everyone at a cocktail-party type of event, but I think we might need to buy a few more chairs.

Also, here is the food so far...any thoughts?

Veggie Pizza

Chili

Meat and cheese tray

Crackers

Fruit

Pinwheel/wraps

Some kind of frozen apps maybe?

Chocolates for dessert wines

Thanks!

amanjay

I don't generally think of chili fitting in a menu for a wine tasting event---too many strong flavors. What about mushroom tartlets, bacon wrapped scallops, or stuffed mushrooms for a different warm appetizer. A soup could work, but maybe something lighter?

cwheels82

I would also nix the chili and stick to finger foods... that way you have less dishes to clean and it is easier for people to eat the apps.  If you want something more substantial, what about chicken skewers with different dipping sauses.  Sometimes I just buy the frozen, breaded chicken tenders and then cut them in smaller pieces. 

Or one of my favorites to make is pigs in a blanket using chicken sausage.  I like to use apple gouda chicken sausage.  Cut them in thirds and then wrap them in crescent dough.  You can make ahead of time and then just bake before the party.  

sapphireb

Thanks for the suggestions! I don't really think the chili is a great idea either, but DH says everyone loves it and it will go with the heavier wines.

RachieTK

sapphireb:

Thanks for the suggestions! I don't really think the chili is a great idea either, but DH says everyone loves it and it will go with the heavier wines.

Chili with wine? Much more of a beer food...

kimnelson09

I would put my foot down on the chili thing.  It has no place at a wine tasting because if your guests eat that, they're not going to be able to taste the wine. 

Here's a great wine tasting guide that might help you.  It includes a grid for people to jot down notes about the wine and also includes a section on the types of food that work best.

http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/entertaining/partiesevents/winetastingplan

cclilac12

Another thought for future events is simply a wine & cheese party. We asked everyone to bring a bottle of their favorite wine and/or their favorite cheese to share. We supplied crackers, bread, a couple bottles of wine (w/ extra on the side in case we ran out) and some antipasti (cured meats, fruit, sausage, artichokes, etc). It ended up being a great time with plenty of wine & cheese and variety. There was the tasting aspect but it was less formal. And it meant that it wasn't a huge deal when people didn't RSVP b/c they were asked to bring something.

sporky

also if you're not going to have chairs for everyone, how are they going to eat the chili? that's hard to do while balancing a glass of wine.

if it's a wine party though, i would decide what wines you are serving and base my menu on that.

sapphireb

We are just having everyone bring a bottle or two of their favorite - like I said, informal.

I tried again but he is adamant about the chili. Sigh.

joelen&louis

I hosted wine tasting parties w/paired foods every month for a few years. Here's a listing of what varietals we've done along with the food paired with them... and links to recipes are included:

WINE & DINES