When hosting a gathering of friends and/or family, everyone has their own style for selecting the perfect wines to serve. Some people seek out an expert's advice. Some people look for well-known expensive wines hoping to impress their guests. Me? I go for the conversation pieces.

Imagine serving a nice bottle of "Gridiron Cuvee" to the guests at your next Superbowl party! It may not be a Simi or a Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour, but it is certainly going to be a hit regardless, and your guests will remember your Superbowl party for years to come!

More suggestions for your upcoming gatherings:

GET TOGETHER WITH THE GIRLS: "Marge 'n Tina", a nice Argentinian wine with a Thelma & Louise-like cartoon on the label. Better yet, "Rude Boy" Chardonnay from South Africa features a very well-built, young, naked man on the label showing only from the waist up. You have to chill this wine to see what's below the waist! (Yes, they have come out with a "Rude Girl" Shiraz for the men out there.)

BACHELOR PARTY: How about a pleasing "Cleavage Creek" Cabernet sporting a beautiful woman on the front with, well, quite the cleavage! The guys don't have to know that this was inspired by the winemaker's grandmother who survived breast cancer thanks to early detection or that 10% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research.

FRIEND GETS DIVORCED DINNER: A nice bottle of "Big House" will do the trick. This pleasant California red's label depicts a prisoner escaping from jail.

OVER THE HILL BIRTHDAY PARTY: You absolutely must serve up some "Old Git" from France whose labels states,"Be Bold and Go for the Old", or a nice Sauvignon Blanc, "Old Tart" whose labels reads: "For instance, they'll tell you that drinking white wine (as opposed to snowballs) adds an air of distinction for those searching for a better class of partner. Whilst waiting to be swept off their stilettos (in a zippy little sports car) by a rich Mr. Right, they continue daintily sipping. Obviously they'll enjoy something with a 'voluptuous body' that is 'fresh, fruity and up-front', in fact, a wine not unlike themselves."

HALLOWEEN PARTY: "Devil Head" is an Italian variety with a taste like a very good Zinfandel. Looking for something a bit more eerie? Try "Vampire" Merlot from Romania. Their label features lots of vampires and dripping blood.

NEW YEAR'S EVE: Along with your Dom Perignon, offer your guests some "Prosperity Red" from the Santa Ynez Valley to wish

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Special wines for festive occasions?
We want to hear your view. Write now!