Pro Tip: Toast Summer With an Outdoor Wine Party

by Melissa Auman Greiner on Jun 10, 2013 in Wine
Pro Tip: Toast Summer With an Outdoor Wine Party

The only thing better than enjoying a chilled glass of crisp wine in the summer sun is enjoying it with your friends. It’s easy to open your home, your patio, your backyard or even your 2'x2' balcony to host a casual outdoor wine party. Here are our pro tips on how to make it happen.

What to Drink

Wine, of course. But while it’s easy to just grab any white during the warmer months, some varietals lend themselves better to the hottest heat. Avoid more delicate, floral whites like muscat or viognier that could get crushed in the heat, and instead opt for high acid, crisp, mineral options. A few suggestions:

  • Sauvignon Blanc: Both the tropical notes of bottles from New Zealand and the more steely bite of one from Sancerre, France, are bright and dry.
  • Reisling: From the dry (kabinett) to super sweet varietals, Riesling is almost designed to be cool and crisp, making is great for heat in the air or in food.
  • Albariño: Peachy and bright, this Spanish favorite will make you feel like your rocking away the night on a porch swing.
  • Rose: Summer is rose’s season, and its dry and tart taste paired with its heady nose create a sultry combination.

How Much to Buy
You know your friends better than us. If your parties run long and your guests are often thirsty, boost the numbers as you see fit. Better to have too much than too little.

Here’s what to consider: each standard bottle of wine should deliver about five glasses of wine. Assume that each guest will enjoy two glasses during the first hour, than another glass for each additional hour.

How to Serve
You don’t need to get uber fancy for a wine party. A few medium-sized glasses (for all whites, opt for thinner-fluted glasses for the best aroma), a fun stainless steel bucket or funky garden urn to fill with ice and bottles, and you are golden. If you fear breakage, check out our round-up of outdoor-friendly drinkwear options.

It’s always smart to offer at least snacks to balance out the alcohol consumption, and for these wines, think light. Sushi maki samplers, Thai-spiced satays, grilled vegetables or even classic shrimp cocktail will pair beautifully while keeping guests satisfied. Throw in a custom iPod mix, and you’ve got a party.We’ll look for our invite soon.

Photo via Flickr user hmmlargeart

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Baltimore's Coolest Rooftop Bars for Summer Drinking

Whether it's on warm summer nights or with the briskness of spring and fall evenings, drinking is often at its best when it's al fresco. ...read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore During Summer 2019

Whether it's on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city....read more ›

by Jennifer Waldera May 14, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close