Seasonal Suggestions
Spring • Decorate with bright colors like blues, greens and yellows to capture Spring's spirit of rebirth. • Napa Valley is full of wild flowers in spring, so pick or buy wild flowers to evoke a springtime vineyard. • Plan an Easter Brunch party and serve plenty of summer fruits to remind your guests of the coming summer. Include an Easter egg hunt to keep the kids entertained. • Throw a New Vintage party, to taste some of the newly-released white wines from last year's harvest.
Summer • Consider starting your entertaining early to take advantage of a warm evening in your garden or on a patio. • Decorate with fresh-cut summer flowers or even aromatic summer herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage. • Plan an outdoor picnic party, serving gourmet sandwiches and artisan cheeses, coupled with light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chenin Blanc. • Stock up with BBQ-friendly red wines, like Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel to complement grilled meats and vegetables.
Fall • Decorate tables with fallen leaves from your or your neighbor's yard. • Make long-lasting table displays with corn stalks and small pumpkins or gourds, which are always, available this time of year. • Celebrate the abundance of fall with abundant small dishes of seasonal produce, such as olives and stuffed mushrooms. • It's harvest season in Napa Valley so buy grapes to display alongside bottles of the wines you're serving.
Holiday • This is the busiest time of year for entertaining, so make sure you're stocked up with a good selection of wine, including plenty of Pinot Noir for those turkey dinners and champagne for celebrating. • Get in the festive spirit with table displays of grouped candles and holiday decorations. • Consider buying a Magnum of wine for an impressive way to serve all your guests at the holiday dinner table. • Port is always a holiday favorite, especially when served with rich chocolate beside a blazing fire.
Winter (post holiday) • Decorate with seasonal greenery like spruce, cedar, holly, and pine cones. Silver or gold ribbon or holiday decorations can add a touch of luxury. • Consider using a couple of bottles of cheaper Cabernet or Merlot to make mulled wine, blending in fruit, honey, and spices. • Serve comfort foods like soups or warm dips to take the chill out of a cold day. • Alternatively, try spicy foods to warm your guests, served with fruity and spicy white wines like Viognier or Gewürtztraminer. • Plan a Superbowl party with a difference. Serve a selection of diverse wines instead of beer and keep a bottle of sparkling wine to toast the winning team.
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