What Wines To Bring To A Party

We live in a world of BYOB. Unless you swagger with the likes Eduardo Saverin amongst a world of free-flow, chances are you’ll be regularly going to get-togethers that involve bringing your own tipple. Whether it be BBQ’s, birthday parties or residential mingles, there’s many a time when you have to bring along a beverage to consume and share. So how much thought do you put in to it?

The tendency for a lot of us is to plump for something simple. Gents go for a six pack of beer, ladies a simple bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. But we’re missing a trick. Bringing along a special wine can not only make you enjoy yourself a lot more, it can make you a lot of friends along the way. A good wine is not only better enjoyed once shared, it’s can also be a great icebreaker.

So here are a few of my tips for what to bring along to your next soiree:

If you are new to a crowd

We’ve all been to a party where we know next to no one. You’re new to a location and you’ve been brought a long to meet people, so use your BYOB to make friends. Having a wine that you can say something about and have an interest in means that you’ve got something more to say than just “fancy a beer?”.

Research and buy a wine online or go to your local specialist store. Think Italian, Spanish, Chilean or Argentinian – great wine producing countries that are just a bit of a break from the standard French or Australian fare.

Get away from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – these can be outstanding varieties but they are unlikely to get you talking. Think about a variety you’d not usually drink like an Albarino or Verdelho for whites or a Carmenere, Zinfandel or Malbec for reds.

Pay a little extra to get a good example. Share it for someone’s opinion and try and explain a little about the variety and region. I can guarantee you that, even if you both don’t like it, you’ll be half way to a new group of friends.

If you are on a budget

Wine in Singapore and many Asian nations can be a budget buster, I know. So how can you make a splash with little cash? As you’ll know, wine is an internationally produced product, which means varying different cost structures for production. Land and labour is generally cheaper in the New World, so a lot of great wines can be made there for less money.

For me, Chile offers the some of the best price to quality ratio wines you can find. So if your budget is tight but your looking for a really drinkable number, look for some reds from the Maipo valley or some whites from the Casablanca valley in Chile. You’ll never be disappointed.

If you are looking to impress

Perhaps your heading to an event with guaranteed wine buffs and you’re wanting to bring a long something that will get a nod of appreciation. You’ll want a wine that says you’ve made an effort, and know that great wine doesn’t begin and end with Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Tuck in to your wallet and time and find a premium priced Pinot Noir from Washington State, USA. It’s bound to deliver both a exceptional drinking experience, and shows you’ve put a lot of thought in to the buy. You’ll definitely be the toast of the party.

If you are looking for a lady

I dare you to find a girl who turns down Champagne. I dare you. But execution is paramount here – don’t act like your 50 Cent or make illusion of some grandiose high baller lifestyle. Act excited by the fact you’ve plumped up a bit of extra cash because you want to make the night special, and want everyone to join in the fun with you. Tell the lady you would love it if she shared a glass with you, clink your glasses, catch her eye, and the rest I’ll leave you up to your natural charm.

So next time you are heading to a BYOB social, don’t just get the beer deal stacked high at the checkout. Think a little about what you want to get out of the party and buy accordingly. It will make all the difference.