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Wine Recommendations For Your Next Dinner Party

November 1, 2019

You know the feeling: you open up a delicious bottle of wine before your guests arrive and the flavorful aroma enchants you… You envision a glorious night ahead, filled with friends, food, and laughter, and you can’t wait to share the magic of your drink of choice.

We may be biased, but we’re firm believers that there’s no better place to host a dinner party than in your new home in Washington — in your open-concept living area, guests can enjoy the ease of a stylish space designed for total relaxation and comfort. Now that you have the space down, you need wine that pairs perfectly with what you’re serving! Sit back, relax, and have a glass: we’ve got you covered.

WHITE WINES

Sparkling: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava

Salty Snacks: Fries, Potato Chips, Caviar, Anchovies, Sushi, Popcorn 

Recipe Idea: Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn

Dry White: Sauvignon Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Grigio

Vegetable Dishes: Salad, Sauteed Vegetables, Roasted Vegetables

Recipe Idea: Arugula Salad with Olive Oil, Lemon, and Parmesan

Sweet White: Gewürztraminer, Moscato, Riesling

Cheese Board: Soft Cheese (Feta, Camembert, Brie), Bread, Smoked meat 

Recipe Idea: Easy Cheese Board

Rich White: Chardonnay, Roussanne, Viognier

Creamy Appetizers: Soup, Cream-Based Pasta (try with baked fish, shellfish, or poultry), Quiche, Lasagna

Recipe Idea: Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches

RED WINES

Rose: White Zinfandel, Grenache, Provençal Rosé

Richly Flavored Dishes: Raw or Lightly Cooked Shellfish, Curries, Paella, Lamb, Charcuterie

Recipe Idea: Grilled Lamb Chops

Light Red: St. Laurent, Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Gamay

Mushroom Dishes: Risotto, Mushroom Soup, White Pizza

Recipe Idea: White Mushroom Pizza

Medium Red: Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Merlot

Roasted Dishes: Pizza, Vegetables, Duck, Turkey, Beef (Lean Cuts)

Recipe Idea: Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Bold Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah

Rich Meats: Steak, Burgers, Beef Short Ribs, Venison

Recipe Idea: Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers with Pickled Slaw and Fried Shallots

Dessert: Late Harvest, Sherry, Port

Sweet Desserts: Cake, Cookies, Pie, Ice Cream, Fruit

Recipe Idea: Cucumber-Key Lime Pie

OVERVIEW

White wines generally pair better with appetizers and finger food, while red wines are great for heavier main meals, particularly those with meat. Whether you plan to serve light fare or filling dishes, there’s certainly a tasty wine that will match any flavor. Of course, the best part of any dinner party is having fun with the ones you love — and a great wine just makes the night that much sweeter. 

From all of us at New Tradition Homes, cheers to your next dinner party!