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3 Holiday Gatherings with Wine Country Flair

Woman smiling with long dark hair wearing yellow blouse
Photo Credit: Tenley Fohl Photography

Made Simple by Private Chef Robin

Family and friends gathered around a festive table laden with delicious food and fine wine is one of the most magical parts of the holiday season. To help you create unique, memorable and, best of all, stress-free holiday get-togethers, we invited Private Chef Robin, author, teacher and wine country chef extraordinaire to give you her best tips and share her favorite menus.

Brunch

Who says a party must be at night? A sun-lit gift exchange with savory fare is a fresh way to celebrate.

  • Green Shakshukakale, spinach and baked eggs with feta cheese
  • Frittataspinach, leeks, onions, greens with goat cheese
  • Avocado Toast – with condiments to make your own

Pair with: Champagne, Prosecco, Rosé or slightly chilled Pinot Noir

Frittata egg casserole in a frying pan
Photo Credit: Tenly Fohl Photography

Wine Dinner

Elegant, classic and memorable.

  • Appetizer –Baked Brie, Melted and Oozing with Caramelized Apples and Onions
    A creamy Chardonnay is a wonderful pairing with this savory dish.
Chocolate Balls on a white plate on a brown table
Photo Credit: Tenly Fohl Photography

Wine & Cheese Tasting

  • Warm Brie with Caramelized Apples and Onions
    A creamy Chardonnay is a wonderful pairing with this savory dish.
Photo Credit: Tenley Fohl Photography

Holiday Party Tips

Do:

  • Splurge on Invitations A handwritten note in the mail amidst holiday bills and catalogs sets the festive stage.
  • Set the Table with Your Finest Pull the china and handed-down linens from storage along with Grandma’s silver.
  • Mix with modern pieces For a look that’s current and fun!
  • Use the Outdoors Dress your table with garden greenery, herbs, leaves, succulents, air plants, and blossoms.
  • Light it Up Keep unscented candles and soft light evenly distributed to cast a flattering glow.
Photo credit: Tenley Fohl Photography

Don’t:

  • Overdo the Drink Menu
    A thoughtful, limited selection of wine or one specialty cocktail is plenty.
  • Think Big
    A hearty main course with a crisp salad can be just as merry as a four-course feast. Take-out served on pretty platters or a potluck is an easy way to entertain.
  • Leave Everything to the Last Minute
    Greet guests with music playing and drinks ready to go. Avoid dishes that require you to spend the evening in the kitchen.
  • Regret the Cleanup
    See each after-party glass and plate as a reminder of last night’s fun with friends.

About The California Wine Club

Discover great wine with The California Wine Club. Since 1990, it’s been our wine club’s mission to help artisan wineries share their small-batch wines with wine enthusiasts everywhere. At The California Wine Club we happen to think these wines simply taste better than the mass-produced wines that dominate store shelves.

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