The wonderful aspect of having a fine dinner matched with wines at home is that you have ultimate control. You’re not limited by a set menu, nor by an overpriced or underwhelming wine list. You don’t have to consider the needs of three other people who ordered very different dishes, nor that your appetite for different tastes might break the bank. You’re in control: The menu and wine selection are in your hands.

The challenge, of course, is that you’re cook, sommelier, and host all wrapped in one, so you’d better plan ahead.

Wine First?

Sometimes, the inspiration for a dinner party is to share a special wine. Designing a dinner around wine is often easier than deciding on food first and then wine.

If you want to focus on a single wine, put it in the starring role, with the entree, even if it’s a white wine. Build out from there, adding lighter wines to begin. If a meal isn’t a meal without a red wine, add it at the end, with cheese or dessert. Some people think it’s fine to go from red wine to white wine, but it doesn’t work for me.

If you have an array of great wines to share, order them by weight and match the courses to their weight. That way, you won’t lose people as they fill up on richer dishes first, and every wine and dish will get its chance to shine without being overwhelmed by the previous course.

Food First?

The whole world is open to you if you’re starting from food, so make it easier on yourself and focus. Get inspired by the season, and design a menu around what’s in the farmer’s market, or choose a cuisine—from American to Zimbabwean—it doesn’t have to be that of a wine-producing country.

Decide how many courses you want, and arrange them by richness; for example, start with a light salad, move on to a fish course, and end with beef. Then pick the wines, keeping the basics in mind. Not every dish has to have its own wine, of course; some can share, or go without. Which leads us to the question, how much is enough?

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I forgot to mention… last month I went to the Monterey Wine Festival. I try to go every year because it’s such a wonderful experience. It was hard to count, but it seemed like there were over 100 different wineries there. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but it was definitely over 50. And in addition there are several premium food vendors offering fine cheeses, seafood, and several other delicacies. It’s basically a wine and foodies dream come true! If you’re curious for next year there’s a list of all the participants on their website. There was also a chef giving free cooking lessons; including recipes such as Caramelized Pineapple Meringue Flambé, Artichoke and Chestnut Velouté with Sautéed Apples, and Tender Calamari Filled with Chorizo, Topped with Tomato Sauce and Served over Soft Polenta. I went to the event at the Hyatt. Apparently they also have a day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I’m thinking about trying it next year. I’m sure it would be fine indulging on wine and cheese while you hang out with sea turtles.   Tickets are $99 which seems expensive, but considering its 3 hours of unlimited wine and food it’s not that bad of a deal. According to their website there are over 300 wines to taste. The events are limited to 1,500 guests and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was sold out. So if you plan to attend next year buy your tickets early. This is a highly recommended experience!

Cheers,
Wine Club Insider

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