The Joy In Gathering

PSA - wine and chocolate are not just reserved for Valentine’s Day!We wanted to take this idea of a wine tasting party and lay out how approachable it really can be. We love an event where your guests have something to DO. (We see you game night.) Let’s make a fun and interactive tasting table in your dining room, and create that space for your loved ones to slow down, be present, and experience the Joy in Gathering.None of us can turn into a sommelier overnight, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t know much about wine? Pick a few that look different! Or one of each type you see! Chocolate pairings can get a bit more specific but you can be as flexible as you’d like. You could get one type of chocolate with different flavors to pair with each wine, or get wildly different types and styles and see who has the most adventurous taste buds. Either way your guests will be engaged and the time together will progress naturally without a strict plan or timeline. That’s the trick to enjoying your own hosting!

Choose Your Pairings

Three to four wines paired with chocolates is plenty. Cut the chocolate into small pieces and pour smaller tasting amounts. This keeps the focus on flavor and makes it easy to try everything without over indulging. We opted to stick with all dark chocolates for consistency, and paired with some classic wines we had on hand.

We went with:Cabernet Sauvignon + Dark Chocolate with Espresso Beans
Big, bold, classic. The bitterness of dark chocolate loves a structured Cab, and that little hit of coffee makes the sweetness in the wine pop even more.Sauvignon Blanc + Dark Chocolate with Caramel Sea Salt
A match made in heaven. The wine’s high acidity cuts through the rich, buttery, and sweet nature of the caramel and makes a silky texture in the mouth.Brut Blanc + Dark Chocolate with Raspberry
Bright, flirty, and fun. The bubbles stay on your tongue and highlight the berry zing each time you get it.

Set Your Table

We covered our table in craft paper and wrote directly on it. It was that simple! Each wine was labeled alongside its chocolate pairing, creating a guide right on the table. This keeps the evening flowing without needing constant explanation. Glasses were spaced comfortably, with water nearby to reset the palate.Make sure each guest has enough space, and that your paper or table cloth isn’t too long and in danger of accidentally being yanked on. If you want something extra, a small bowl of nuts or fruit works well, but it is not required. The pairings themselves are the star! Some guests will move slowly through each pairing. Others will jump ahead. Both are part of the fun.

Next Time We’d Consider Adding:

Zinfandel + Chili or Spiced Dark Chocolate
A little unexpected and very fun. Zinfandel’s jammy fruit balances heat and spice without getting overwhelmed.Port + Milk Chocolate Truffles
Decadent on decadent. Think rich ganache, cocoa dusting, maybe a splash of espresso. This is your slow-sip, lights-low pairing.Pens for our Guests
They could have written their own notes, thoughts, or memories on the table. Or played tick tack toe!Next time, we’d also scatter wine corks down the center of the table for a little extra texture and charm. An easy, low-effort detail that adds warmth and makes the table feel lived-in and playful.By the end of the night you’ll have had a successful event with really memorable conversation. Sharing thoughts and feelings is what binds people together and takes us from pleasant conversation to intimate meaningful relationships. That’s why we gather! Happy sipping!