Hello, hello! Lauren here & today we are talking manners! ‘Tis the season for family gatherings, potlucks, friendsgivings, and celebratory get-togethers. While I am a huge fan of hosting such gatherings, it’s always fun to be a guest! Today we are getting down to basics and talking about what it means to be a good guest & how to bring the perfect bottle of wine, no matter the menu!

Interested? Why wouldn’t you be! Let’s get down to business!

So, let’s start at the beginning. You are invited over to a friend’s (co-worker, family member, you get the idea) house and you say “Wow, yes, can’t wait!” Followed up by, “What can I bring?”

The host will most likely say “Nothing! Just glad you can make it.” Now, you and I both know that you can’t show up empty handed. So here is how to a) look like a pro & b) give them a bottle of wine they can actually drink that evening!

First up – let’s talk dessert! If the host doesn’t know what they are planning to make, bring something for dessert is always a safe beat. We recommend the Vintner’s Reserve Riesling as it goes with just about everything! From delicious chocolate, to sweet little apple pies, this wine is easily everyone’s favorite way to end a dinner!

Next up, everyone’s favorite protein – chicken! This saucy bird is always a safe beat for a host to prepare as you can dress it up in a million ways. Roasted, baked, stuffed – you name it. But tried and true, the Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Chardonnay is always a perfect pair.

So, if your evenings host says that they are preparing a delicious chicken dish – you now know what to bring!

Not every guest likes to serve red meat when entertaining, as it can be a bit of a bear to prepare and tricky if you are trying out a new recipe, but if they are, it’s important to enjoy with a really good wine.

Whether it’s flank steak or steak frites, a delicious bottle of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon does the trick every time. The tannins in the wine cut through the fat in the meat to build a really beautiful flavor story.

Last but definitely not least, the delicious fish! We cook a lot of fish when entertaining but it doesn’t take up a lot of time in the kitchen and you can really showcase flavors in a well prepared fish entree.

So, when my guests ask what to bring when I am preparing fish, it’s Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is my personal go-to every single time. This wine pairs perfectly no matter if my dish has more of an herb bent or just a delicious butter sauce. It’s versatile but meets the dishes needs, every single time.

Just like a good guest! So next time you are invited out, be prepared & have fun.

For more food and wine pairing tips, visit the Entertaining section of our website.

photography by Constance Higley