Perfect Party Wines at Bargain Prices

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. When I am having a party or helping with large events, wine enthusiasts like myself know that that Grocery Outlet is a great place to find value wines at a great price. Did you know that Grocery Outlet’s wine buyers are industry experts? These are people who actually live in Napa, have lots of wine experience, and buy the best wines they can find at the biggest discounts so you can save.

I recently stopped at my local  Grocery Outlet to start stocking up on wines for the busy holiday party season, and as usual, there were others milling around the wine section picking some fun varietals and blends.  A lady next to me pulls out her phone to look at a picture and then said, “YES! This is it!”  She had a great wine from  Grocery Outlet and was there to buy a case of it for the holidays.  The wine was about $5 per bottle, so talk about a smart purchase!

Most shoppers worry if they are picking out the right wine or a good wine. A sommelier once quizzed me, “How do you know if you have a good wine?” Put on the spot, I started to spout out my wine facts. He shook his head and said, “No, a good wine is one that you like.”

Ah, ha! Thankfully that logic has taken a lot of stress off me when I purchase wine. I now buy wines, sample them at home with my husband and friends, and if we like them, grab a lot more! Now is a great time to do some sampling as the Grocery Outlet’s November Wine Sale is about to start! Shoppers will hit the jackpot of savings with an additional 20% off their already low prices, so make sure to get there early! Remember, wine nerds like myself will be there to take advantage of this sale as well!

As I do entertain frequently, I have put together a list of recommended wines for a party so that there is something for everyone. Best of all, at Grocery Outlet I can get a great selection without breaking the bank.

The Holiday Wine Shopping List

Dry Bubbles

Bubbly or Sparkling wine is festive and perfect for the holidays. It pairs well with soft cheese and other appetizers. When searching for Bubbly, you’ll see the following options: Sparkling Wine (from the US), Champagne (from France), Cava (from Spain) and to make things a little more confusing, there are 5 major types of sparkling wines from Italy which include Prosecco, Lambrusco, Franciacorta and Asti Spumante. Since these are all essentially Bubbly wines from various regions, simply look for Dry, Extra Dry, Very Dry or Brut in the description. I feel that bubbly that is not dry is too sweet and filling. Starting off a party with a sweet bubbly can kill your guest’s appetite at a dinner party. So, keep it light and look for DRY! Grocery Outlet always has a great variety of bubbles and make sure to look for the Diama Extra Dry Prosecco (750 ml) on sale between Nov. 1-7, 2017 in your local  Grocery Outlet for only $4.79 after the 20% discount.

Whites

I like to get a combination of what I call big whites, or creamy ‘oaky’ Chardonnays, and some lighter crisper whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. I typically grab a couple bottles of each as I have friends who prefer one over the other.

Look for the John Osborn Napa Chardonnay at only $3.99 during the November Wine Sale.

Reds

I generally prefer light red wines when at a party. However, I have friends who love the big juicy reds. Thankfully, I can get a combination of both and keep everyone happy with picks from Grocery Outlet .

Bordeaux – Grocery Outlet has a nice variety of French wines and specifically ones from the Bordeaux region. Even if you don’t know anything about French wine, grab a bottle or two. Not only do they pair well with rich food, but they are often lighter, a bit acidic and have notes of spice, vanilla, and smoke. Unbelievably, there are many wonderful Bordeaux wines available at Grocery Outlet in the $5 – $7 range.

Cabernets & Red Blends – If you like big fruit, cherry, chocolate with notes of tobacco and spice, get a variety of Cabernets and red blends with Tempranillo, Primitivo and/or Zinfandel. Handcraft Dark Red, a red blend, will be on sale for only $3.19 during the November Wine Sale. These wines are crowd pleasers and they pair great with lots of different cheeses.

And, speaking of cheeses, make sure to go ‘appetizer’ shopping while at Grocery Outlet.

I was able to find an amazing assortment of imported cheeses at an incredible value, plus organic and gluten-free crackers! Should you also be so lucky to find a huge French wheel of brie, try serving it with caramelized onions on top!

Watch my video to learn how to make this delicious brie appetizer and find out about the great party wine selection at Grocery Outlet.

A baked brie with caramelized onions is a classic and elegant appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make. The key to a great dish is in the slow, patient process of caramelizing the onions, which develops a deep, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, salty brie.

Here’s a general recipe with common variations to suit your taste:

Ingredients

• For the Caramelized Onions:
  • 2-3 large yellow or red onions, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 tablespoons butter or a combination of butter and olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional additions: 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (brown or granulated), 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, a splash of dry white wine or sherry, fresh thyme or rosemary.
• For the Brie:
  • 1 (8-12 oz) wheel of brie cheese
  • Optional: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• For Serving:
  • Baguette slices, crackers, or apple/pear slices

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

The most important step is to properly caramelize the onions. This takes time, so don’t rush it!

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the butter (and olive oil, if using) over medium-low heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the onions evenly.
3. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 30-60 minutes. The goal is to cook them slowly until they become a deep golden-brown and are very soft and sweet.
4. Optional: If using, add balsamic vinegar, wine, or sugar towards the end of the cooking process. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring until the liquid has reduced and the onions are “jammy.” Stir in any fresh herbs, like thyme, just before removing from the heat.
5. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare and Bake the Brie

You have a few options for baking the brie:

Option A: Simple Baked Brie

1. Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
2. Place the wheel of brie in a small oven-safe dish, like a cast-iron skillet or a ceramic baking dish.
3. Optional: Some recipes suggest slicing off the top rind to allow the cheese to melt more easily. However, the rind is edible and will soften as it bakes.
4. Top the brie with the cooled caramelized onions.
5. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the cheese is warm, gooey, and beginning to ooze.