Wine and Chocolate Tasting

When I was planning my wine and chocolate party I had the lovely opportunity to speak with Peter Marks, an expert on the subject. Peter is a wine master and wine educator at COPIA — The American Center for Wine, Food, and Arts — in Napa, CA. He has won an array of wine-related awards and even hosted a wine-centric television show. His highly sensitive tastebuds are not afraid of sweet Rieslings or White Zinfandels. To see what he taught me about pairing food and wine, read more

Keep things clean and simple at your wine and chocolate tasting. Be inspired by the colors of the wine and chocolate — deep red and rich brown — and use these to create a gorgeous look. Cover the table in a chocolate brown tablecloth and give guests brown cotton napkins. Place snacks on red plates and fill red bowls with chocolate covered treats. Arrange wine glasses in neat rows for easy access throughout the tasting. Cheeky wine charms will stimulate conversation and help guests remember which glass is theirs. Light frosted brown candles and dim the lights. Instead of fresh flowers — you don't want the fragrance of flowers taking away the wine's aroma — arrange pots of green leafy plants. Give guests a surprise party favor — boxes filled with chocolate and tied with a pretty bow — as they are leaving.

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Normally I always serve a signature cocktail at my parties, but in the case of a wine and chocolate tasting, no hard alcohol is necessary. Instead be sure to have several different types of wine to pair with each chocolate course. If you don't know a lot about wine ask your local wine shop owner to help you. Explain what you are making — chocolate and brie sandwiches and chocolate orange cake — and that you want some wines that will complement these treats.

If you don't have a relationship with a local wine shop owner, check out my tips for pairing chocolate and wine when you read more

After sampling a couple of savory chocolate hors d'oeuvres, treat guests to a scrumptious chocolate orange cake.

No wine and chocolate tasting is complete without a salty sweet combination, so fill bowls with chocolate-almond saltine toffee. Supplement these homemade dishes with store bought chocolate truffles.

For the super scrumptious recipes, read more

What's on the menu at a wine and chocolate party? Chocolate of course! Have a selection of — sweet and savory, homemade and store-bought — chocolate treats. A variety of chocolate bars is a nice start especially when complemented with chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate covered nuts, and cocoa nibs. Surprise guests with a pair of homemade chocolate appetizers: savory chocolate napoleons and chocolate and brie paninis. To take a look at these recipes, read more

February is coming to an end and with it comes close to our Chocolate Month. But before we kiss those chocolate kisses bye-bye, I'm teaching you how to host a wine and chocolate-tasting party! So grab some wine, pick up a couple of chocolate bars, and gather up your friends, it's time to taste. To set the mood of the party, send the invites with chocolate! To see step by step instructions on how to make these, read more