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.