Beat the Seattle Freeze with a Garden Wine Party

When I moved to Seattle in 2017 with my then-boyfriend (now husband), we didn’t know a soul. I’d always admired the close-knit friend groups I saw out at happy hours or sharing memories online, but I didn’t have that myself. So, rather than waiting for an invite, I decided to be the one who sent the invites!

At the time, I was getting into wine and figured: Why not host a wine tasting party at home? I invited coworkers, neighbors, and even a couple we met at the dog park.

Want to Make Friends as an Adult? Here’s the Secret. Just send the invite.

So many adults are quietly hoping someone will reach out. They want to laugh, sip wine, and feel like they belong, just like you do. And here's the truth: a "no" usually means they're busy, not that they don’t want to connect. Keep trying. Confidence comes with practice.

And if you’re looking for a great excuse to gather people? A wine tasting party is perfect. It gives you something to talk about, creates a sense of occasion, and is so easy to repeat whenever you’re craving connection.
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My Summer Challenge to You: Host a Garden Party Wine Tasting! Think hosting sounds intimidating? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. In fact, I’ve put together a Done-For-You Wine Tasting Kit to make the whole process totally stress-free. It includes:

• Shopping lists
• Food + wine pairing ideas
• Decor tips
• Printable menus
• Setup instructions
• And more!

But for now, here are a few of my go-to tips:
🍷 Wine + Food Tips

• You can provide all the wine and food yourself (start with three wines), or ask everyone to bring a bottle and a dish to share.
• Don’t worry about being fancy! Trader Joe’s is your friend! I’ve even included a full TJ’s shopping list in the kit.
• Small wine shops often have great $15-and-under selections with helpful staff who’ll guide you based on your theme or taste preferences.
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🕯️ Decor + Ambience

• A few fresh flowers from the grocery store in mismatched jars or bottles = instant charm.
• Thrifted plates and battery-operated tea lights help set a cozy, intentional vibe.
• Don’t have a garden? No problem. Clear out your living room, push the furniture to the edges, and bring in a table. Done!
  
  

Here are three refreshing wines I love for a summer garden party:
1. Grüner Veltliner

•  A crisp, refreshing white wine from Austria with notes of lime, green apple, and white pepper. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll probably love Grüner.

2. Rosé of Pinot Noir

• Light, fruity, and full of strawberry and cherry vibes. Look for bottles from the Pacific Northwest, France, or Germany.

3. Gamay

• A chillable red (yes, red!) that’s juicy, earthy, and made for warm summer nights. Pop it in the fridge for an hour or two before serving.

Ready to Host? You don’t need to be a wine expert, or have a fancy house, or know all your neighbors. You just need a date, a few bottles of wine, and the courage to hit “send” on that invite.

Cheers to new connections, memorable nights, and building the friend group you’ve been waiting for. 🍷

Want the full Done-For-You Wine Tasting Kit to make your party effortless? Click the button below! 

Garden Party Done-For-You Wine Tasting Kit