Summer is coming! Which means great weather, soirees as the sun goes down, and outdoor gatherings with friends (and yes, sometimes colleagues.) A wine and cheese tasting party is a lovely way to enjoy the season, but if you haven't quite perfected the "art" of the party we have you covered. 

Patina Catering, part of Patina Restaurant Group, is dedicated to creating memorable menus and experiences for so we asked for their best tips on how to host a summer wine and cheese party. They know with longer days right around the corner white or sparkling is the way to go-- and they're also spilling best practices for hosting your boss or co-workers. 

JUST HOW MANY WINES SHOULD YOU HAVE?

And just how do you serve them? According to Patina, it's best to keep the tasting to around 5 different wines. Any more than that might overwhelm the palette. 

It's also OK to mix reds and whites, but you should serve in order from lightest to darkest.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PAIRINGS?

• IF YOU'RE SERVING CHEESE: 
  • Cabernet Sauvignon with a nutty cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano 
  • Sauvignon Blanc with soft goat cheese or French Roquefort
• IF YOU'RE SERVING CLASSICS 
  • Champagne with smoked salmon
  • Chardonnay with gratin
  • Pinot Noir with stone fruits and cured meats

HELP GUESTS IDENTIFY WHAY THEY'RE DRINKING AND EATING

Gold-plated place cards are a simple and chic way to let guests know what they're tasting. You can also choose a theme related to and stating each region/wine available with flavor notes. 

Extra tip: Make it pretty because the details matter. If the wine has "notes of cherry," decorate that wine's tablescape with a bowl of Rainier cherries and cheeses like Chevre or Brie that work well with the pitted fruit. Display it with floral arrangements and the notecards. Each little "tasting" section can have its own gorgeous theme. 

WHEN IT'S SOCIAL & WORK

It's called a tasting party, not a tipsy party. It's great to let your hair down and enjoy yourself, but if you've invited your boss, clients, or co-workers, make sure that you don't go overboard. 

A night out with the girls is much different than socializing with your boss. Quick rule of thumb: the same things that make you stellar at the office, are the same that make you stellar at home. (At least when those higher-ups are present.) 

Images courtesy of Patina Catering. 

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