A multitude of ways to enjoy wines with loved ones at home
With the pandemic still ongoing across the globe, many people have been stuck at home to be extra safe. It can be a challenge thinking of fun ways to relax when going out to bars and restaurants could make people feel unsafe.
So, how does one unwind at home? Thankfully, there’s wine…
Going out with mates and family still doesn’t sound deal for many, but there are still many ways to have a tremendous time with some wine and a bit of creativity. Here are 10 fun ways to enjoy wines at home (always drink responsibly).
1. Host an Online Wine Tasting Party
Thanks to modern technologies like Facebook, Zoom and Skype, people can stay connected with the people who matter to them the most. Why not ramp up online get-togethers with a round of wine-tasting?
To host an online wine-tasting party, set up a time and platform that works for a group of 4 to 10 people – any more than that and it can be trickier to handle and stay organised.
A virtual wine-tasting party calls for the creation of a wine list with the members of the group and an agreement to order the wines ahead. That way, everyone will be prepared for the date of the party. Then when the tasting day (or night) comes, they can have their clean glasses ready, start the online meeting, and drink away.
Wineries like Golden Gully and Brokenwood Wines also offer guided wine tasting sessions and Hunter Valley winemaker Keith Tulloch also hosts a wine event every week.
2. Join A Wine Club
For those who would rather not host, a virtual wine club might be a better choice. Such clubs existed way before the pandemic and right now they are quickly becoming the new norm. Virtual wine clubs like The Fabulous Ladies Wine Society offer a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people and make new friends.
A club membership or subscription also offers discounts or access to wines tailored to subscribers’’ taste buds. With a membership fee, some clubs send a curated selection of fine wines to your doorstep, as well as invites to exclusive events. In Australia, clubs like Vinomofo and Naked Wines offer their subscribers great deals that also support local independent wineries.
3. Take an Online Wine Class
Another way to enjoy wine is by going beyond the glass and taking an online class instead. Classes like those offered by Wine Australia offer a window into the fascinating world of Australian wines. Learn all about the foundations of Australian wine, vintage wines, regional wines, and many other topics. Learning can be so enjoyable when done in the comfort of your home, wine by your side, but, best of all, these classes are free!
4. Cook with Wine
Everyone knows how much wine can enhance a dish. For instance, wine adds flavour and depth to sauces, pasta, and salad dressings. Because of their acidity, some wines are also a great ingredient to use with marinades to help tenderise meat.
5. Create Your Own Unique Wine and Food Pairings
For those who are not up to cooking, a good way to spice up the night is with a lovely pairing of wine and cheese. An Italian grazing plate can add some pizzazz to a romantic night – this recipe example shows how to make the perfect grazing tray.
Another way to enjoy wine is to pair it with chocolate. Who can say no to two of the best things in the world put together? Sitting back on the couch with the perfect wine-and-chocolate pairing is an ultra-luxurious treat.
6. Have A Sip and Paint Night at Home
Who says art needs to be done at a studio? All that is need is a canvas, some paint and paintbrushes, and a good bottle. Invite a few of their mates around and sip away while exploring your artistic side.
7. Make Wine Coolers or Sangria
Level up your usual wine and splash it with a dose of ginger ale or liqueur to make a wine cooler or cocktail. Even a cheap bottle of wine can magically turn into a refreshing drink when mixed with the right ingredients.
An even better idea is to switch up a basic bottle and transform it into Sangria:
- Pour wine into a pitcher
- Stir in some chopped apples, oranges and pears.
- Leave the pitcher in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- The longer the fruits sit in wine, the longer those flavours marinate into that rich, intoxicating fruity wine flavour.
The great thing about sangria recipes is that they are flexible. With the addition of favourite fruits or ingredients, wine lovers can tailor recipes to their own preferences – a splash of brandy, orange juice or sweetener may be added, too. The possibilities are endless!
8. Make Wine Jelly Shots
Jelly shots are one of the most fun ways to enjoy wine, and they are pretty easy to make, too. Here’s an easy recipe for red wine jelly shots:
- Boil 2 cups of water and pour into a bowl.
- Add 75g orange gelatine and 75g lemon gelatine. Whisk until dissolved.
- Add red wine and whisk until well combined.
- Pour mixture into plastic shot glasses.
- Refrigerate 3-4 hours until it is set.
9. Make Zooper Boozers
This is an innovative and refreshing way to enjoy wine. Adding boozy ice pops to a repertoire will certainly perk up those family events! Here’s a quick rundown of the steps in making wine ice pops.
- Choose a fruit like berries, peaches, and cherries (any fruit can be used). Other flavours like basil or cinnamon also work well with wine.
- Heat the wine, fruits, sugar, and any other ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Stir and bring to a simmer, reducing the liquid until there is only 1 cup left.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Stir in water, then carefully spoon the mixture into popsicle moulds.
- Don’t forget to place a popsicle stick in each one.
- Freeze overnight.
10. Soak Up A Bubble Bath with A Glass of Wine
At the end of a long, hard day, there’s nothing more luxurious than sipping a cool glass of wine in the bath. Set the mood with some candles and ambient music or take a magazine or a book along to read. No one can argue that a sweet-smelling bubble bath paired with wine is the perfect recipe for melting worries away.
Get Your Own Personalised Wine Bottles for Special Occasions
Enjoying wine at home is even more fun when you’ve got your very own personalised bottles from Wine Design to enjoy from, and wouldn’t it be great to send your mates personalised bottles for your wine tasting sessions, too? You can also add customised labels to make it even more thoughtful.
Call Wine Design today on 1300 798 098 or email sales@winedesign.com.au, so we can easily arrange this for you. With Wine Design, you can find even more ways to enjoy wine at home!
