{"id":6744,"date":"2017-01-03T18:03:10","date_gmt":"2017-01-03T18:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bellenza.com\/party-ideas\/?p=6744"},"modified":"2017-01-03T18:04:47","modified_gmt":"2017-01-03T18:04:47","slug":"host-wine-chocolate-tasting-party-valentines-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bellenza.com\/party-ideas\/menu-ideas\/host-wine-chocolate-tasting-party-valentines-day","title":{"rendered":"How to Host a Wine and Chocolate Tasting Party for Valentine’s Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not everyone may have a romantic dinner date lined up for Valentine\u2019s Day. But there\u2019s no need to sit around and mope. Not when you and your besties can have a fun get-together that\u2019s just as love-filled, a Wine and Chocolate Tasting Party<\/strong>! You can host this for neighbor-couples, work colleagues, or even for a bride-to-be having her bridal shower in February.<\/p>\n

Worried that pulling off this party with the right wine-chocolate pairings is beyond you? Read on for helpful tips from expert sources we found. Plus we\u2019ve added our own suggestions for decorating the party venue and setting up the tasting table!<\/p>\n

What Chocolates and Wines to Pair<\/h2>\n

\"Wine<\/p>\n

A great starting point is this guide we discovered via the Ghirardelli<\/a> site. It showcases 3 Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate varieties and the wines<\/strong> that go deliciously with each one. Their 72% Cacao bar pairs<\/a> well with fruit-forward wines and sparkling ros\u00e9; their Cherry chocolate bar is ideal with semi-seco rosado Cava and sparkling wines; while their 86% Cacao bar<\/a> combines perfectly with ruby port and big red wines.<\/p>\n

Party Table Setup and Decor<\/h2>\n

Nothing complicated here! Simply select a comfy and cozy area in your home where you can gather around a coffee table or kitchen counter or out on a patio or garden deck. Seating can range from a sofa and easy chairs, to kitchen bar stools, to ottomans, bean bags and floor pillows.<\/p>\n

\"Wine<\/p>\n

Arrange the wine bottles and wine tasting glasses, and lay out small platters or trays for the different chocolate samples. You may want to print out labels and comment cards for everyone to note down their impressions and mark their favorite pairings!<\/p>\n

And of course, this being a Valentine\u2019s Day party, be sure to have red and heartsy decor touches. From your labels, signs and floral centerpieces, to your party serve ware (see our links to entertaining essentials below)!<\/p>\n

Image credits: 1 – Modern Mom Life<\/a> \/ 2 – Fashionable Hostess<\/a> \/ 3 – Bellenza<\/a> \/ 4 – Chocolate and Carrots<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Tips for Wine-and-Chocolate Tasting Newbies<\/h2>\n

To help you make the most of this unique party theme, we pulled together a few great sources that you can refer to.<\/p>\n

First of all, what exactly do you DO to savor the wines and chocolates you\u2019ve selected for sampling? Thanks to Chocolate and Carrots<\/a>, here\u2019s a simple how-to:<\/p>\n