After a long year, December has finally arrived, bringing on the culmination of the Christmas holiday season. Throughout the month, there will be parties and revelries all across the community in which friends and family gather together to partake of yuletide festivities.
However, successful holiday events do not happen by chance – they require careful planning and preparation. There are many factors to consider, including scheduling dates and venues, inviting guests and choosing the perfect combination of appetizers and libations.
While planning holiday merriment can be stressful for party hosts, it does not have to be. Help is available through entertainment professionals who possess considerable expertise in planning all aspects of yuletide celebrations, including selecting the food and drink menu.
In Hendersonville, we are fortunate to have one such expert in Shelly Louallen. Shelly is the Head of Grapes & Gatherings at Bluegrass Beverages, and she has years of experience in helping hosts plan their holiday festivities. Recently, the Hendersonville Lifestyle team reached out to Shelly to get her suggestions about a couple of wines and appetizers that pair together well.
Selection One: Aubert & Maitheu Baburu - $21.99 – 750 ml
“Ever celebration has to have some sort of bubbly,” says Shelly. “The Aubert & Maitheu Barbaru is a blend of chardonnay and chenin blanc. This wine is a Brut that has lively acidity and a subtle roundness of hazelnut and pastry. It pairs perfectly with cheese and vegetable trays, as well as desserts.”
Selection Two: Chateau German Castillon Cotes De Bordeaux - $16.99 – 750 ml
“This Chateau German Bordeaux Rouge wine has a fulsome black fruit flavor packed with tannins and a spicy, smoky character,” says Shelly. “It is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Wine Enthusiast has given the wine a 92% rating, making it a perfect selection to pair with beef-based appetizers and hearty cooked greens such as spinach.”
Bluegrass Beverages
555 East Main Street,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.824.6600
"Successful holiday events do not happen by chance – they require careful planning and preparation."