Wine and Dine

Rain, snow or shine, we love to wine. In honor of National Drink Wine Day today, we’re sharing our favorite ways to make a wine night at home more special. Whether it’s red or white, sweet or dry, grab a glass and let’s celebrate!

Indulge in a Citrus Charcuterie Spread

Let’s face it, we love a good snack when we’re drinking wine. Charcuterie boards filled with salty meats and cheeses make the perfect finger food for guests to graze all night long. They are also extremely versatile and can be tailored to pair well with the wine you are serving. Amanda S. Gluck from Fashionable Hostess shows us how to prepare a tasty Citrus Cheeseboard to wow a crowd. “Give your cheese board the update it needs for spring entertaining by giving it a citrus twist. Swap your go-to garnishes for accents of lemon, oranges, and limes for that pop of color,” says Gluck. She even shares her step-by-step process for styling your cheeseboard and arranging all the delicious goodies. With herbed nuts, crackers, and fresh orange slices, load up on the indulgent accessories to create one exceptional citrus charcuterie. 

Here are a few tips for making the perfect board:

• Start with meats and cheese first, then build around it
• Think about the wine you’re drinking, and what pairs well. Citrus, sweet fruit and sharp cheeses are perfect for whites. If you’re sticking with red, you may go a little heavier on the meats and add some squares of chocolate to pair with your citrus. 
• Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, or basil for garnish for a simple way to make any board look fancy
• Add flowers for a cheerful touch to make even the gloomiest of winter days bright!

Wine Entertainment 

However you choose to celebrate National Drink Wine Day, we know a little entertainment goes a long way! Surprise your family or roommates by hosting a blind taste testing, wine trivia, or playing other fun games. Channel your inner sommelier by testing your guests to see if they can blindly taste the difference between various types of wine. Kick up the ante by asking them to decipher the cheap vs. expensive bottles. You could even add in some foods, such as homemade candied oranges or pickled okra for an unexpected twist. 

For those with a competitive side, wine trivia is the game you need! Break up into teams or play one on one to quickly answer interesting facts about wine. The options for wine entertainment are endless and so is the fun! 

Whether you love to host friends or plan a wine-filled date night, consider one of these tips for making your National Drink Wine Day unforgettable. Share with us below how you plan to sip your vino this holiday.