When someone is organizing a big private social event, he or she may like the idea of offering some complimentary beverages for the guests. Having a large number of wine varieties on hand can be fun as it gives the guests many options from which to choose compared with what is typically available at private social gatherings such as anniversary and birthday parties. The event organizer might even choose a theme, such as California Wines, to show off the fine quality of domestic wines. It may almost turn into a wine-tasting extravaganza and make the event one that people will always have fun remembering.
When considering which California Wines to include, it’s good to start with some sparkling varieties since this is a celebratory occasion. Flavors range from light and fruity to extra dry. Technically, if the focus is on California products, champagne cannot be included because authentic champagne only comes from France. Nevertheless, the festive nature of sparkling wine will satisfy all the guests who would like to try some.
After making these selections, it’s time to look at white and red varieties. The host and hostess will probably want to have some of the more popular and better-known versions, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for the white varieties. It’s safe to say that many people who drink wine on occasion have at least tried Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Beyond this, however, guests are likely to appreciate some flavorful wines that aren’t usually at the top of the list for familiarity. Syrah, for instance, is a domestic version of the Australian Shiraz. A high-quality Pinot Noir will be on the dry side, making it appealing to guests who may have tried cheap versions and found them to be too sweet.
Of course, a store such as Towne Cellars Wines & Liquors Inc. has knowledgeable customer service representatives who can answer questions about varieties with which the event organizers aren’t familiar. Since numerous California brands are available for certain varieties, it’s good to learn characteristics of the wines so a broad range of selections can be made. Trying to choose among all the California Chardonnay possibilities may be quite a challenge, for instance, but that challenge should be an enjoyable one.
