12 Fun and Unique Holiday Activities No Wine Lovers Should Miss

 

Do you know why wine enthusiasts love the holidays? It's a good excuse to indulge because it's the season to be jolly. And it's the perfect time to celebrate in ways that go beyond pouring drinks. The fun and unique activities for wine lovers and non-drinkers alike are endless during this time of year. Here are twelve engaging things to do this holiday to enrich your celebrations.

Fun Group Activities for Wine Lovers

1. Host a (Non-boring) Holiday Wine Tasting Party

Bring people together with one of the most classic and enjoyable group activities for wine lovers: a holiday wine-tasting party.

Ideas for Fun Wine Tasting Setup

Set up your holiday wine-tasting station by organizing your wines around different themes. For example:

• wines from different regions
• grape varietals
• from different years
• holiday-inspired bottles (sparkling wines or winter reds)

Tailor the selection to your guests’ preferences while offering something new to explore.

Pairing Wine with Holiday Foods

Lead an epic holiday food and wine pairing discovery by offering tips on matching wines with holiday dishes. Download our Food and Wine Pairing Guide to make meal planning a breeze. To make it fun, encourage guests to experiment with the pairing.

Fun Wine-Related Games and Activities

What are some activities that go well with drinking? Try Trivia, Bingo, or Would You Rather, featuring wine and grape varieties. These activities can create a lively and interactive atmosphere.

Prizes and Tokens

• Award Prizes: Give out small prizes for categories like "Best Wine Guess," "Funniest Wine Name," or "Most Detailed Tasting Notes."
• Wine Tokens: Hand out wine tokens for participation and correct guesses. The person with the most tokens at the end wins a grand prize.

How about those who can't make it home for the holidays? Host an online wine-tasting party.

How to Organize an Online Wine-Tasting Event

1. Choose a Theme
• Decide on a theme for your tasting, such as Harry Potter, where participants can wear costumes or change their virtual background related to the movie.
2. Select the Wines
• Aim for 3-5 wine varieties that fit your theme to keep the event engaging but manageable.
• Provide your participants with a list of wines ahead of time so they can purchase the same or similar bottles.
3. Set a Date and Time
• Schedule the event at a time that works for all participants. If you have guests joining from different locations, consider time zones.
4. Send Invitations
• Create and send themed digital invitations with all the details, including the date, time, wine list, and any additional instructions. You can use email, social media, or event platforms like Eventbrite.
5. Prepare Tasting Notes and Scoring Sheets
• Provide participants with tasting notes and scoring sheets to help guide them through the tasting process. Include categories like aroma, taste, body, and finish.
6. Set Up the Virtual Meeting
• Choose a platform for your event, such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Send the meeting link to all participants.
• Ensure everyone knows how to use the platform and provide any necessary joining instructions before the meeting.
7. Prepare for the Tasting
• Set up your tasting area with the selected wines, proper glassware, and necessary accessories, such as corkscrews or aerators.
• Have a quiet, well-lit space for the virtual event to ensure a good experience for all participants.
8. Conducting the Tasting
• Start the event by welcoming your guests and explaining the format. You can introduce each wine individually, guiding the participants through the tasting process.
• Encourage interaction and discussion. Ask participants to share their observations and thoughts on each wine.
• Include fun elements like Two Truths and a Lie to keep the event lively and engaging.
9. Wrap Up
• Conclude the tasting with a final discussion and prizes, allowing participants to share and reward the best guesser.
• Thank everyone for joining, and suggest future events or themes to keep the fun going.
  
  
  

2.   Organize a Blind Tasting Competition

Bring an element of mystery and excitement to the party by organizing a Blind Wine Tasting Competition. It’s a playful yet educational activity that challenges guests to their wine knowledge.

How to Host a Blind Tasting

1. Prepare the Wines:
• Conceal Labels: To hide the wine labels' identities, cover them with foil or place the bottles in opaque bags. Number each bottle to keep track of them.
• Variety Selection: To keep the tasting interesting, choose a range of wines that vary in region, grape variety, and style.
2. Set Up the Tasting Area:
• Glassware and Pouring: Provide enough glasses so each participant has a clean glass for each wine. Use wine markers to differentiate between glasses.
• Palate Cleansers: Offer water and neutral snacks like plain crackers or bread to cleanse the palate between tastings.
3. Prepare Scoring Cards:
• Categories: Include aroma, taste, color, and a space for guests to guess the varietal and region.
• Rating System: Use a simple rating system, such as a scale of 1 to 10, for guests to score each aspect of the wine.
4. Conducting the Tasting:
• Tasting Order: Start with lighter wines and progress to fuller-bodied ones to avoid palate fatigue.
• Pacing: Allow enough time for each wine so that participants can fully experience and discuss their observations.
5. Reveal and Discuss:
• Unveiling the Wines: Once all wines have been tasted and scored, reveal the identities and provide some background information on each wine.
• Discussion: Encourage participants to share their thoughts and scores. Discuss any surprising results or preferences.

Pro Tip!

Wine preservation tools are a must-have, with multiple bottles opened during these events. Here are some practical tools to use during wine-tasting events:

WineKeeper Napa 8-Bottle

• Dual Zone Temperature Control: This system maintains optimal temperatures for red and white wines, ensuring each wine is served at its best.
• Pressurized Preservation: Uses inert nitrogen or argon gas to protect wine from oxidation, keeping it fresh and flavorful.
• Convenient Dispensing: Features sliding insulated doors and a two-stage regulator for easy and controlled wine pouring.

Vacuum Wine Stoppers

• Airtight Seal: This device creates a vacuum seal to prevent oxidation, preserving the wine's taste and aroma for up to ten days.
• Universal Fit: Compatible with all non-sparkling wines, making it a versatile option for any wine bottle.
• Dishwasher-Friendly: Easy to clean and maintain, ensuring long-lasting use.

Wine Kit with Stopper

• Compact and Portable: The kit includes a Traveler's corkscrew and a Flex-Seal bottle stopper, making it easy to carry and use.
• Convenient Storage: Comes with a storage pouch, allowing you to keep your wine accessories organized and readily accessible.
• Versatile Use: These are ideal for wine-tasting events, picnics, or travel, ensuring you always have the essentials for enjoying wine wherever you go.

3.  Create a DIY Mulled Wine Station

Is it really Christmas for wine lovers if there's no mulled wine? Make your favorite holiday drinks more fun and personalized by allowing guests to experiment in the mulled station.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Mulled Wine Bar at Home

• Choose Your Base Wine: Choose the best holiday wine, such as a full-bodied, rich-flavored Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Gather Ingredients: You'll need spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and fresh citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. Don't forget the sweeteners like honey or brown sugar.
• Prepare the Mulled Wine: Combine the wine and spices in a large pot, add the citrus slices and sweeteners, and simmer gently for about 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
• Serving Station Setup: Set up a cozy station with mugs, ladles, and garnishes like cinnamon sticks or orange peels. Provide a ladle for serving and a slow cooker to warm the mulled wine.

4.  Organize a Wine Cocktail Recipe Contest

This will bring out the competitive side of cocktail drinkers and connoisseurs and introduce everyone to new flavors.

• Create a DIY Cocktail Bar: Provide a variety of mixers, fresh fruits, herbs, and spirits. Popular options include tonic water, soda, fruit juices, berries, mint, and basil.
• Guidance on Combinations: Offer simple recipe cards with ideas for wine cocktails, like a sparkling wine mojito or a red wine sangria.
• Voting System: Let guests mix their drinks and hold a fun contest to vote on the best creation. Provide small cards for guests to write their cocktail names and ingredients and set up a voting jar for the best cocktail name, flavor, and presentation.

Pro Tip!

Cocktails taste better when chilled! Keep your wines and beverages at perfect temperature by storing them in a wine fridge and beverage cooler. Ensure there's enough ice for every concoction with a reliable ice maker. We recommend:

Transtherm Castel Glass Brushed Aluminum Full Shelf

• Three Temperature Zones: This unit offers separate zones for storing red wine, chilling white wine, and cooling sparkling wine, ensuring optimal conditions for different types of wine.
• Silent Operation: Operates quietly at 37 dBA, so you can enjoy your wine without any noise disturbance.
• Adjustable Rolling Shelves: These shelves feature rolling mechanisms that accommodate all bottle sizes, providing flexibility and easy access to your wine collection.

Loft 400 Double Beverage Center 34229

• Double Door Design: This design provides easy access to both sides of the beverage center, making storing and retrieving drinks convenient.
• Adjustable Shelving: Offers adjustable shelves to customize the storage space according to your needs.
• Energy Efficient: Designed to be energy efficient, helping you save on electricity bills while keeping your beverages at the perfect temperature.

5.  Plan a Wine-and-Cheese Advent Calendar

Pair your wines with daily cheese surprises.

• Create a festive advent calendar with a different wine and cheese pairing each day.
• Select a variety of wines, such as sparkling wines, bold reds, crisp whites, and dessert wines. Pair each with complementary cheeses like Brie, Gouda, and Blue Cheese.
• Provide a brief tasting note or Christmas wine pairing suggestion for each day to guide participants through the experience. 

Pro Tip!

Proper storage ensures your wines and cheeses stay fresh throughout the season. A wine fridge is ideal for maintaining the perfect bottle climate, while cheeses can be stored separately to preserve their flavors. Investing in quality storage ensures the experience stays enjoyable from start to finish.

Summit 18 Wide Built-In Beverage Center Stainless Cabinet

• Temperature Control: The digital thermostat allows precise temperature management, ensuring your wines are kept at the ideal serving temperature.
• UV Protection: The energy-saving door tint blocks up to 99% of UV rays, protecting your wine from light damage.
• Spill-Proof Shelves: The adjustable glass shelves are designed to prevent spills, keeping your beverages and food items safe and secure.

Transtherm Ermitage Solid Door Black

• Dual Climate Control: This unit can cool and heat, maintaining the perfect temperature for your wines regardless of external conditions.
• Humidity Control: The humidity control system ensures your wines are stored optimally, preventing cork drying and mold growth.
• Silent Operation: With silent operation measured at 37 dBA, it won't disrupt the ambiance of your food and wine pairing event.

Large Olivewood Cheese Board

• Natural Wood Aesthetics: Olivewood provides a beautiful, rustic look that enhances the presentation of your cheese and wine pairings.
• Durable and Sturdy: Olivewood is a hard, dense wood perfect for cutting and serving cheese without damaging the board.
• Versatile Serving Surface: The large size of the board allows ample space to arrange a variety of cheeses, fruits, and accompaniments. 

6.  Drunken Wine Story

Running out of fun game ideas for wine events? Engage your guests in one of the most unique activities for wine lovers: the Drunken Wine Story game. Wine is liquid courage, so this will bring laughter to your holiday gatherings!

Here’s how to play:

• Choose a Wine: Begin by selecting a bottle of wine for the group to enjoy. For example, let’s say the chosen wine is Bordeaux.
• Start the Story: The first person begins the story with a sentence starting with the letter B. After speaking, each person takes a sip.
• Continue the Story: The next person follows with a sentence starting with O.
• Repeat the Sequence: Continue through the letters in the word "Bordeaux," crafting the story sentence by sentence. Once you reach the end of the word, you can start over to letter B or choose a new wine to keep the story going.
• Plot Twist (Optional): Change the wine to keep the game interesting. For instance, if you switch to Merlot, the story starts with sentences beginning with M, E, R, L, O, and T.

7.  Take a Wine-Centric Winter Getaway

Enhance your wine appreciation with immersive experiences in stunning locations. This combination of relaxation, food, and wine tours makes for an unforgettable holiday adventure. Where to go?

Visit a Snowy Vineyard or Wine Lodge

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a cozy retreat to a snowy vineyard or wine lodge. These picturesque destinations offer a serene environment in which to enjoy wine tastings by a roaring fire.

Visit Local Wine Museums or Vineyards

If traveling far isn't an option, consider a wine-lover vacation close to home. Many local vineyards offer seasonal tours and tastings, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about regional wines.

Top Holiday Destinations for Wine Lovers

Here are some top holiday destinations for wine lovers in the US:

• Napa Valley, California: Famous for its world-class wineries, stunning vineyard views, and exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Sonoma County, California: Offers a more relaxed atmosphere, over 425 wineries, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of wine varietals.
• Willamette Valley, Oregon: Known for its outstanding Pinot Noir, charming small towns, and picturesque scenery.
• Finger Lakes, New York: Features stunning lakeside views, award-winning Rieslings, and a range of outdoor activities.
• Santa Barbara County, California: A rising star in the wine world, known for its diverse microclimates and exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Walla Walla Valley, Washington: Offers spectacular scenery, outstanding Syrah, and a vibrant wine culture.
• Texas Hill Country: Known for its warm hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and a growing number of wineries.
• Northern & Central Virginia: Home to over 50 wineries, historic towns, and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Paso Robles, California: Features a wide range of grape varieties, from Zinfandel to Rhône varietals, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Snake River Valley, Idaho: Offers a unique wine experience against a stunning backdrop.

How to Plan a Wine Tour Itinerary

• Research and Book in Advance: Secure reservations at popular wineries and lodges to avoid last-minute disappointments.
• Mix Activities: Combine tastings with other activities, such as food and wine tours, vineyard walks, and cultural excursions.
• Stay Organized: Use a wine journal to record your itinerary, tasting notes, and wine purchases.

Highlight Local Wineries and Events

• Many renowned wineries host special holiday events, including themed tastings, festive dinners, and vineyard tours.
• Holiday Wine Festivals: Look for local festivals celebrating the season with wine, food, and entertainment.

Pro Tip!

When traveling, use wine totes to ensure your prized bottles arrive home in perfect condition. If participating in a wine tasting, carry a wine journal to document your tasting experiences and notes.

Individual or Couple Activities

8.  Design Your Wine Wall for Holiday Display

A luxury wine wall or glass-enclosed wine cellar can become the centerpiece of your holiday decor, adding elegance to your home. Here are some tips to make it stand out:

• Start with a Clean Slate: Clean and organize your wine wall before decorating. Arrange bottles by color or type for visual harmony, allowing the display to be a focal point.
• Incorporate Subtle Lighting: String warm white fairy lights around the wine wall or racks. The soft glow highlights your collection while adding a cozy, festive feel without being overpowering.
• Add Greenery with Garland: Wrap a light garland around the edges of the wine racks or pegs. Opt for minimalistic garlands like eucalyptus or pine with a few berries.
• Use Ornaments Sparingly: Choose a few understated ornaments to hang from the garland or display in small clusters near the bottles. Metallics like gold or silver work well for a polished look.
• Enhance with Accents: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones or holly sprigs. Place them in corners or on adjacent shelves to add depth without detracting from the wine display. You can also hang or install wine cork Christmas crafts for a more rustic and sustainable vibe.
• Highlight with Seasonal Glassware: Set nearby Christmas wine glasses like those with subtle etched designs.

9.  Wine and Quiet

Drinking wine can be a great way to relax and rest. It may also be what most of us need around the holidays.

Spa Days with Wine Treatments

Have you tried vinotherapy? These treatments often feature antioxidant-rich ingredients found in grapes, which are said to nourish the skin and promote a sense of well-being. Perfect to end a busy year! Find a wine spa near you for one of the most rejuvenating, unique activities you can try this season.

Wine and Yoga Sessions

Combine mindfulness with your love for wine by trying a vino yoga session. These events typically occur in serene vineyards. Some urban studios also host wine yoga nights for a more accessible option. It’s an ideal activity for those seeking balance and relaxation.

Precautions for Wine and Yoga Sessions

While this activity can be fun and relaxing, it's essential to prioritize safety and well-being. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:

• Moderate Alcohol Consumption:
• Limit Intake: Drink in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair coordination, balance, and judgment.
• Choose Wisely: Opt for lighter wines with lower alcohol content, such as rosé or white wine.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the session to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
• Prioritize Safety:
• Choose Gentle Poses: Opt for gentle, restorative yoga poses that minimize the risk of injury. Avoid challenging poses that require balance and coordination.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unsteady, stop the practice and rest.
• Practice in a Safe Space: Ensure you practice in a safe, clutter-free environment to avoid accidents.
• Consider Your Experience Level:
• Beginners: Focus on building a strong foundation in yoga practice before incorporating alcohol.
• Experienced Yogis: Approach wine and yoga with caution. Be mindful of your limits and adjust your practice accordingly.
• Choose a Reputable Instructor:
• Qualified Guidance: Seek out a skilled instructor who is experienced in teaching yoga and understands the potential risks of combining it with alcohol.
• Safe Environment: Ensure the instructor prioritizes safety and creates a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere.

Here's a simple wine and yoga video from author and Drunk Yoga founder Eli Walker.

Cozy Wine Nights In

Sometimes, the best way to unwind is to stay home and enjoy a quiet evening with your favorite bottle.

• Create a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting, a playlist of calming tunes, and a curated wine selection.
• Pair your drink with simple snacks, like artisanal cheeses or dark chocolate, for the ultimate indulgence.
• Soak in your bubble bath while watching your favorite show or reading an engrossing book while sipping a glass of wine.

10.   DIY Wine Projects

Get creative this holiday season with hands-on, wine-themed projects.

Design personalized Christmas wine bottle crafts for gifts or special occasions.

• Make your own sustainable wine cork Christmas decorations.
• Experiment with wine-infused recipes like mulled cupcakes or red wine reductions for savory dishes.
• Attend wine and paint class. Combine creativity with your love for wine by joining art classes.

Whether working on a canvas or trying Pinterest Christmas wine glass painting ideas, these sessions are perfect for unwinding while exploring your artistic side.

11.   Preparing Your Presents

Delight your Nice List with the best Christmas gifts for wine lovers.

• Consider elegant wine racks, engraved glassware, or bottle openers for a practical yet stylish option.
• For those who enjoy a more personal gift, Christmas crafts such as handmade wine cork ornaments can make charming gifts.

12.   Wine Book Club

Join a book club centered around wine-themed literature. Choose novels set in vineyards, stories with characters who love wine, or nonfiction books exploring the world of winemaking. Pair the discussion with a curated wine selection to make it interesting.

Conclusion

Just add wine! Anything becomes legendary with your favorite bottle. To keep the experience safe and enjoyable, ensure everyone drinks responsibly during these fun holiday activities for wine lovers.

We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating! Share your favorite wine-themed holiday activities or traditions in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag us on social media if you try any of these ideas—we’d love to see your creations and experiences.

Book a FREE consultation with one of our specialists to build your dream cellar and get expert advice on premium wine cellar essentials and accessories that make these activities hassle-free. Let's make this holiday season one to remember! Cheers to working together!