The Best Wine Party Appetizers

ByErin Parker Posted on Updated on

You need some easy wine party appetizers to keep in your back pocket for your next get-together. These classy, sophisticated finger foods are delicious for pairing with a glass of wine. 

collage of four images of appetizers with the text wine party appetizers

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Wine Party Appetizers 

Throwing a wine party is such an easy get-together because you don’t need to plan a lot of menu items. You don’t even have to provide all the wine! 

When I throw a wine tasting party for my girlfriends, I make 2-3 appetizers and ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine to share. Then we can all pick our faves. My go-to is a big snack board of munchies.

If anyone asks if they can bring anything, I always say yes! It’s great to have help, and if they offer, they mean it. So in those cases, I suggest they bring another appetizer or a dessert that goes with wine. (Hint: anything chocolate or fruity!) 

I’ve pulled together some of my favorite wine party appetizers for you as well as some tips for throwing a great wine party. You can also serve these any time you’re sipping your favorite vino.

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    Why I love wine parties:

    Honestly, it’s hard not to love a wine party if you love wine. 

    ​You can plan them in advance for your friends, but a wine party is super simple, so it can be an impromptu party. 

    Here are some more tings to love about these gatherings:

    • They are easy to throw. You can ask guests to bring dishes and wine. It’s a lot less work than a schmancy dinner party (that offers a main course or two) but just as chic. 
    • Light finger foods are usually pretty easy to make and a good choice for sharing.
    • You get to try a lot of different wines while you mingle with your buds.

    More party menus to try: Cajun Appetizers | Summer Appetizers | Brunch Menu | Outdoor Menu | Grilling Menu | Dinner Party Desserts

    What you need for a wine party

    The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.

    Let’s talk ingredients!

    In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.

    Wine party menu

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Wine! If you are providing the wine, I suggest getting both red wine and white wine. A few bottles, at most. If you want to provide more choices, rosé and sparkling wine can be good, too. There are about 5 glasses of wine in a bottle, so plan accordingly based on how much your crew drinks. 
    • A non-alcoholic option: Not everyone likes wine or wants to drink alcohol, but you can still serve up something non-alcoholic that goes well with wine, like berry lemonade or sparkling cranberry mocktails.
    • A few appetizers or small bites: I suggest 2-3 for every 10 people you’re having over. My magic formula is something cheesy + something vegetarian/vegan + something with meat. I have included LOTS of ideas for you below!
    • A dessert or two: This could be as simple as a tray of brownies, cupcakes or cookies. Anything hand-held is ideal, but you could also serve a cake or cheesecake. 
    hand picking up roasted grape bruschetta

    Wine party themes

    If you like a theme or want some ideas to select dishes for your menu, you can definitely have fun here. 

    • Blind wine tasting: Have everyone bring two bottles. Have one bottle on display, and wrap the other in a brown paper bag. Number them (on the bottom in a marker.)  Serve everyone small pours and let them guess which bottle is which or who brought which! 
    • French wine party: Serve French wines, like Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc or champagne. For appetizers, serve them with French cheeses and other francophile dishes, like baked brie, French onion bruschetta and cranberry baked brie bites.
    • Italian wine party: Whether it’s the precursor to a pasta dinner or just a summery Tuscan get-together, pair Italian dishes with Italian wines like prosecco, chianti and moscato. Warm bread and an olive oil dipping sauce or caprese skewers would go perfectly. You could even make a sangria to pair with ’em!
    • California wine party: Enjoy California wines and West Coast-inspired treats, such as roasted grape bruschetta, avocado deviled eggs and vegetarian taco cups. California wines include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and Zinfandel. 
    • Around the world wine party: Ahead of time, assign folks to different wine regions around the world. Ask them to bring a bottle from that region and an appetizer or dessert from that country to pair with it. Other wine regions include South Africa, Spain, Chile, Australia, Germany, New Zealand and Greece. 

    Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

    Hosting a wine tasting party doesn’t have to be challenging. In fact, it can (and should!) be a lot of fun.

    For me, this is more about having different offerings for all different taste buds (and not necessarily about finding the perfect wine pairings because, well, I am not a sommelier, and you might not be, either.) 

    Here are a few thoughts for you, if you’re in the planning stages of your next party:

    • Serve a few types of wine so that everyone can try different things or stick to their personal favorite. 
    • Ask friends to bring wine and/or easy appetizers to the party so there’s less work for you! And don’t be afraid to buy a thing or two if it saves you some stress. 
    • Use recyclable wine glasses to save on dishes while helping the environment.
    A platter of bacon wrapped dates with a pink linen and a container of toothpicks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many glasses of wine are in a bottle? 

    In a standard 750ml bottle of wine, there are about 5 servings. Most people will have 2 to 3 glasses of wine while some will have none, so multiply the number of guests by 2.5 to get an idea of how much wine to buy. 

    What appetizers go with wine?

    Wine goes with many types of appetizers and hors d’oeuvre recipes, but it can depend on which types of wine you prefer. Fruity and sweet white wines will go well with fruity appetizers, like a fruit salsa or bruschetta. Dry white wines work well with fish and chicken. Serve red wines with heavier appetizers, like meatballs. Most wines pair with cheese, so anything cheesy is a safe bet, like charcuterie boards. 

    Now, if you’re looking for some easy appetizer recipes that pair nicely with a bottle of wine, here are some excellent ideas for your next wine party…

    1
    hand holding a cranberry turkey puff pastry tartlet
    Cranberry Turkey Puff Pastry Tartlets
    These bite-sized tartlets combine the flavors of cranberry sauce, spicy Cajun turkey and salty feta cheese in a flaky puff pastry. They're an ideal choice for wine parties because the tartness of cranberries complements many wine types. The savory-sweet profile of these bites pairs well with both white and red wines.
    Check out this recipe!
    2
    melon skewers on a plate
    Galia Melon Jamón Skewers
    These refreshing skewers featuring melon and jamón ham are a delightful choice for summer gatherings. Their light and fruity nature makes them a perfect match for chilled white wines or sparkling rosé. Try them with a mixture of types of fresh melon, such as watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew, for a colorful addition to your appetizer table.
    Check out this recipe!
    3
    A pita chip scoops up hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
    Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
    A classic favorite, this creamy and cheesy dip is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering but especially wine parties. Its rich and indulgent flavor profile pairs well with full-bodied white wines, like chardonnay, and light reds, like pinot noir.
    Check out this recipe!
    4
    A wooden toothpick skewers a bacon wrapped date on a platter of stuffed dates
    Bacon Wrapped Dates
    These irresistible bites of dried dates stuffed with feta cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Their poppable size is easy to eat while holding a wine glass, and their flavor complexity makes them an excellent accompaniment to a variety of wines, from bold reds to crisp whites.
    Check out this recipe!
    5
    Close up of a cheeseball coated in green onions and crisp bacon
    Savory Cheese Ball without Nuts
    This colorful and flavorful cheese ball, coated in green onions and crispy bacon, is a versatile option for any occasion. Its creamy texture and savory taste make it a great match for a range of wines, from light and crisp whites to fruity reds. In general, anything cheesy pairs well with wine and provides a delightful contrast of flavors. (Don’t like these toppings? This recipe tells you how to customize a cheese ball to your liking.)
    Check out this recipe!
    6
    Whipped feta dip in a blue bowl garnished with tomatoes surrounded by raw vegetables and chips for dipping
    Whipped Feta Dip
    Simple and creamy, this Whipped Feta Dip is a versatile starter suitable for any occasion. Its tangy flavor pairs well with crisp white wines and light-bodied reds. Serve it with pita chips and fresh veggies, like carrots and celery.
    Check out this recipe!
    7
    A oval platter of Caprese Bruschetta with Heirloom Tomatoes
    Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
    This quick and easy appetizer featuring heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil is a classic and perfect for any occasion. Its fresh and vibrant ingredients makes it an ideal pairing for light, crisp wines, like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These will enhance the summery vibes of every bite.
    Check out this recipe!
    8
    Close up of cheesecake dip with chocolate chips and dippers
    Cheesecake Dip
    Who said appetizers have to be savory? This cheesecake dip is fun for anyone with a sweet tooth. This creamy and indulgent dessert dip is reminiscent of classic cheesecake and offers a delightful sweetness that pairs well with dessert wines, like moscato or a late-harvest riesling. Its smooth texture and tart undertones match with wine's sweetness.
    Check out this recipe!
    9
    A Turkey Zucchini Meatball dipped in a bowl of tzatziki surrounded by more baked meatballs
    Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs
    These versatile Turkey Meatballs, packed with flavor and nutrients, offer a lighter alternative for appetizers that you can serve with various dipping sauces, like marinara or tzatziki. These savory meatballs pair well with a range of wines, from light reds to rosés.
    Check out this recipe!
    10
    Close up of a serving bowl of Roasted Garlic White Bean Hummus
    Roasted Garlic and White Bean Hummus
    Creamy, garlicky and nutty, this hummus is perfect for dipping vegetables and chips. Its versatile flavor profile makes it an excellent match for a variety of wines, from crisp whites to light reds.
    Check out this recipe!
    11
    Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
    Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
    This delightful combination of tart cranberries, spicy jalapeños and tangy cream cheese, this dip offers a perfect balance of flavors. It pairs well with a range of wines, from fruity whites to bold reds. Serve it with crispy crackers or baguette slices.
    Check out this recipe!
    12
    Apple Butter Brie Bites
    Apple Butter Brie Bites
    These savory-sweet bites, featuring apple butter and brie, offer a delightful contrast of flavors. Their richness pairs well with a variety of wines, from sparkling whites to medium-bodied reds. You can customize them with different kinds of toppings, from nuts and herbs to jam and honey.
    Check out this recipe!
    13
    Goat Cheese Crackers with Herbs
    Goat Cheese Crackers with Herbs
    These sophisticated homemade crackers, topped with goat cheese and herbs, are easy to make in your kitchen and are an elegant option for entertaining. Add them to cheese boards, serve them with a dip or on their own. Their light and crisp texture and tangy, cheesy flavor pairs well with a range of wines, from dry whites to fruity reds.
    Check out this recipe!
    14
    Garlic Herb Roasted Olives
    These flavorful olives, roasted with garlic, thyme and orange, bring a savory and aromatic experience to your wine party spread. Their bold flavors pair well with dry whites and light reds. Add them to a cheese board or serve them on their own with toothpicks.
    Check out this recipe!
    15
    Rosemary Salt-and-Pepper Cashews
    Rosemary Salt-and-Pepper Cashews
    These crunchy toasted cashews seasoned with rosemary, salt and pepper are a satisfying addition to your snack table. Their savory profile pairs well with a variety of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds.
    Check out this recipe!
    A woman with dark curly hair wearing a black tank top in front of a white wall

    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…

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