Shine Brighter Together: a guide to hosting an indoor game night with excellent wines.
It’s cold outside which means it’s time to heat things up with a little friendly competition. That’s right, it’s time for game night! If you haven’t rolled the dice in a while, we have all the info you need to host the perfect game night. From snacks to seating to the wines to keep the games going all night long, get ready for some serious fun.
Choose Your Games
There are so many fun games to choose from, so to narrow it down we recommend getting a few different types of play. Go for one strategy game like Otrio Deluxe, one verbal, more energetic game like Catch Phrase and then one physical game like Dominoes. While you can never make everyone happy, having a variety will make sure all your guests have something that suits them.
The Wine and Food
Just like when you were a kid, getting to indulge in fun snacks and drinks is half the fun of a game night. Choose a lighter white to ease into the evening like our 2020 Heritage Collection Sauvignon Blanc. As the games get more intense so should your wines. For the second round, try something layered and full of flavor like our 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir. To make sure you have enough to last the whole evening, get about 1 bottle per guest. When it comes to snacks, go for finger foods that are easy to eat in-between turns and don’t require flatware. If you’re going for nostalgia, pick some of your favorites from childhood like pigs in a blanket and mini grilled cheese. Just because these are “kid” foods doesn’t mean they don’t pair beautifully with your adult beverages!
Set Up Your Area
If you don’t have a large enough dining table for everyone to sit and play, get comfy on the floor with large pillows and blankets. Do make sure to think through the logistics of your games when setting up your space. For dominoes, you’ll need a flat, stable surface and enough room for everyone to have their turn. For Catch Phrase, you’ll be splitting up into teams so make sure you can clear areas for each team to have their spot.
It's Game Time!
When it’s finally time to get your game on, start by making sure everyone knows all the rules. If you need a timer or scorekeeper, designate that person out of the gate. Plan for breaks in-between games so people can refill their wine and recap some of the fun. And remember, if you’re having fun your guests will have fun so make sure to relax and lean into the moment.
