My first wine social – I have never held a wine social before so this was an experiment. Having recently found an amazing wine club, as we tend to do, I wanted to share the wines I am receiving with friends. So I partnered with a long time friend and we decided to hold an intimate Wine Tasting at her house.
Finger Foods
Wednesday evening before our Saturday evening event we met at a local grocery store and purchased a few things. We didn’t even make a formal list. Determined to keep it simple, we bought finger foods, which included crackers, cheese and grapes. As we all know there is nothing like a little cheese with that wine, right? So we picked up some bottles of water and chocolate covered espresso beans. My mom even pitched in and made her scrumptious chicken salad. 
On Friday before our Wine social I set up the counter in my friend’s kitchen with a wine glass display, and prepared the island with platters, bowls and dishes ready to be filled with our finger food feast.
Fine Wines
So friends, every month I anticipate my wine shipment and every shipment is a mini celebration for me. Incidentally, when I found Direct Cellars, I signed up to receive 4 bottles (2 whites and 2 reads) every month straight to my door. So when my box arrives I open it, pull out the wines, and lay them out on my kitchen counter. I then pull out the tasting cards and study them, paying attention to where the wines come from and what foods they pair well with. One time I ordered a delicious thin crust vegetarian pizza to go with one wine that the taste card said paired well with Italian food.
These are wines from around the world ya’ll! I’ve had a Malbec from Argentina, a Rubicone from Italy, a Chardonnay from Australia, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State right here in the good ole’ US of A. It is always a treat to receive these Artisan Wines. Not coincidentally, but by personal design, at the end of the day I pour myself a glass of one of my new wines and enjoy.
So for my first wine tasting I decided to share my mini celebration with friends. I brought along my wines and my tasting cards and laid them out so people could read about the wines.
Fun with Friends
Saturday evening arrived and the fun began. I turned on Pandora setting the atmosphere with some Jazz. 
People began arriving. Old friends greeted each other, new friends were made. We had drawings, shared about the wines, tasted the wines and devoured the food. My very favorite part was hearing the laughter and chatter among the attendees. At the end of the night we exchanged goodbyes, and well wishes. All in all a good time was had by all.
Future Feature?
Yes Indeed! My first wine social was a smashing success. So I plan to have more of them in the future. Look out for an invite from me friends because I will be having more Finger Foods, Fine Wines, and Fun with Friends events. 
The holiday season is upon us. Soon thanksgiving and after that Christmas.
Since a Fine Wine makes a magnificent gift for any occasion, I have decided that whenever I get any invitation, whether to dinner at a home, a holiday party, or any other event I won’t go empty-handed. My treat will be a bottle of fine wine.
