How to Host a Wine Dinner

There is nothing more fabulous than being invited to a wine dinner at a private residence, except when that wine dinner is hosted by rock star wine maker Lisa McGuigan at her black and white themed apartment. While Lisa is clearly my cousin, she is also most certainly a master at hosting an outstanding dinner party. The following blog is simply a recap of one of the best wine functions I have ever attended. The idea being, that if you understand how an amazing dinner party is held, you will be inspired to host your own. Just remember, the excellence comes with the detail!

At 6:00pm on Wednesday evening 20th November a well dressed crowd began appearing in the lobby of a newly renovated building overlooking Sydney's lush green Hyde Park. Once through the grand three metre front doors, guests were ushered in the lift and landed high into the city skyline. An open front door and a sweet border collie named Lois Lane welcomed guests into the ultra modern apartment overlooking the St Mary's Cathedral. 

Transforming overnight from grey thunderous skies, the skyline was clear as day. Guests marvelled at the beauty of our city whilst sipping 2002 vintage Pommery and listening to the enchanting strums from the Harpist at the centre of the balcony. From 6:00 - 7:00pm the champagne flowed, whilst smartly dressed and meticulously mannered waitstaff served lobster cocktails. 

At 7:00pm on the dot, Lisa rounded up her guests and asked them to take their seats at the table. Each seat had a beautifully written place card with the name of the guest on both sides so guests on either side of each other, and across the table could call each other by name. A menu was coiled and tied with Lisa's signature black leather which reminded you of her rock'n'roll style.

Everyone was seated in an orderly fashion along the long table for 24 and made small talk with their new neighbour. Those who had been involved in organising the event were spaced along the table amongst guests in order to keep the conversation flowing. Each dinner guest had three glasses of wine in front of them and a water glass to ensure a clean palate. The white wines were poured from left to right with the lightest on the left hand side and the heaviest on the right. With the amazing catering of Mason Rose we enjoyed thinly sliced turkey with a white sauce and pistachios and cranberries. The wines were from the new vintage of Lisa McGuigan's wines the first was the Wild Semillon, the second was the flagship Pinot Gris and the third a lightly oaked Chardonnay. Such a selection was an easy talking point amongst newly acquainted guests and worked perfectly with the light white meat dish.

Guests were asked before the first speech commenced to choose their main from a selection of three. One meat dish, one fish and one vegetarian. It is essential to request dietary requirements of guests before they arrive to avoid embarrassment. Again guests were provided with three Lisa McGuigan red wines, the first being the recently James Halliday four star awarded Pinot Noir, second, the Vanessa Vale Shiraz and finally the Platinum labelled Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Always the life of the party, Lisa spoke with her guests throughout the evening about the wines that they were drinking. Why they matched the carefully selected menu and how guests should taste wine to get the most out of it. By dessert time, guests were moving freely around the table and happily chatting as though they had known each other for years.

The key to any spectacular wine dinner is attention to detail. From the moment the guests arrive to the moment they depart you must be in control of the experience and have a plan for what happens next. This type of planning will ensure that the event goes off smoothly, and even if there is a drama you will be better equipped to deal with it. It also helps to have a talented wine maker, but if not just make sure you have heaps of personality and know how to bluff!

Until next time, have a glass for me. Alex Mac :)