Whenever I host a tasting event, my guests are always impressed by my thoughtful array of edibles. “How do you know what’s going to put a wine in the best possible light without overshadowing it?” they want to know.
Usually I smile mysteriously, toss my head back, and let them chalk it up to my expertise and hostess’ intuition, but today I’m going to let you in on my insider’s secret to pairing the perfect snack with the perfect wine:
Don’t overthink it.
The best rule of thumb when planning a delicious spread for your guests is to keep it simple! The evening’s main attraction is your selection of fine wines, so choose a few light bites from the following list and you’re sure to satisfy one and all!
- Say Cheese
Wine and cheese go together like love and marriage, so why reinvent the wheel? Serve one mild cheese (like a mozzarella or goat cheese), one medium cheese (havarti and brie both do really well with a variety of wines), and one strong cheese (cheddar, gorgonzola, or blue cheese will work beautifully), and you’ll have the perfect pairing for whites or reds.
- Chocolate
Most people would never think to serve chocolate with a white wine, but lately, my guests are craving chocolate alongside their chardonnay. Sure, you can knock yourself out searching for the highest quality chocolate, but Dove makes chocolate squares that everyone adores! (Inside scoop: Skip the white chocolate – it’s not a great pairing with wine – and head straight for dark or milk chocolate.)
- Get Spicy
Naturally, some of my recipes (like our world famous wine nachos) are mine and mine alone. But others, I’m more than willing to share. My spicy crackers, for example, are a fantastic option for a tasting event, and go fabulously with so many different wines. And best of all, with only four ingredients, this standout treat is a breeze to whip up!
Here’s my recipe:
- 1 box mini Saltine crackers
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 packet ranch seasoning powder
Place the crackers in a Ziploc bag. Then mix the oil, ranch, and cayenne pepper together in a dish, and pour it all into the Ziploc. Toss the bag around until everything is nicely coated, and let it sit for an hour or two. Your guests will go wild for this spicy, delicious, and addictive snack!
- Pizza Party
Sometimes I like to up the ante on my typical spread, and welcome my guests with a more substantial wine tasting snack. In this case, you can never go wrong with a flatbread pizza! They’re simple to make, warm and satisfying, and pair beautifully with a variety of wines. Tell your guests to skip dinner, and head on over for a buona sera at your place!
- Meat and Greet
If I happen to be highlighting a sweeter wine for my guests, I love to serve something a little salty, like a tray of prosciutto or other cured meats. These can enhance and enliven your sweet wines, while showcasing a lovely interplay among flavors.
- Have a Ball
Never underestimate the allure of meat on a stick, my friends. Savory meatballs (served on a decorative toothpick, naturally) are a hit at any get-together, and a wine tasting is no exception!
- Fruits and Berries
Many inexperienced hosts go with the obvious and serve grapes at their tasting events. They may be fun to snack on between wines, but to the discerning palate, they’re much too tart and distracting. Instead, try serving fresh raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. (Inside scoop: save the chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day!)
- Go Nuts
They may bring to mind cold beer and barstools, but a simple assortment of your favorite nuts can be an elegant and easy option for your next tasting event.
- Chex Mix It Up
Now that we’re finally moving into the warmer months, what’s more refreshing that a cool glass of lemonade? Lemonade Chex mix, of course! It’s perfect with white wines, and my guests are loving it. Find an easy recipe for Lemonade Chex Mix HERE
- Make a Wish
Another crowd-pleasing treat that’s absolutely perfect for white wines is this delicious Funfetti Cakebatter Dip. Why wait until your next birthday to enjoy a slice of heaven?
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules about what snacks to serve at a tasting event. Aside from keeping plenty of water on hand so your guests can refresh and cleanse their palates, there’s no such thing as a wrong answer.
Food and wine go well together, it’s almost impossible to make a mistake!