Bringing friends and family together for a night of bonding often starts with a game. Some of us love to gather around the television to watch sports, but busting out the board games from the cabinet for a good old-fashioned game night can show you another side of a friend, lover or family member. Their competitive side. Their compassionate side. Their greedy side. Their creative side. Which side will you discover? That depends greatly on the game you’re playing and the wine you’re drinking.
All these discoveries are fun to make with a fine wine at your side. And with many intricate and engaging games on the market these days, the exploration will be even more exhilarating.
If you're a fan of the classics, here are a couple of old faithfuls to break out along with tried-and-true Napa Valley wine pairings recommendations.
CLUE: Colonel Mustard in the Library with a glass of Ancien Coombsville Mink Vineyard Pinot Noir.
When putting your detective mind to work, a glass of silky fruit-forward Pinot Noir really ups the ante. The game of Clue has long been a game night favorite, and the film is a must-watch at your next movie night. For extra points, open a bottle of Chardonnay, especially Crosby Roamann’s Napa Valley bottling. The caramel notes balance Granny Smith apple flavor and freshly struck matchstick aromas as you put on your Sherlock Holmes cap to solve the next mystery.
SCRABBLE: How many times do you use the letter “e” in Cabernet? Is red blend one word or two?
Put your spelling and vocabulary to the test with a glass of an epic Napa Valley red blend in your hand. Trefethen Family Vineyards Eshcol Red or Gibbs Vineyards Dusty Red adds some spice and elegance to the elixir, enabling you to have the necessary edge to outwit your opponent.
Need something a little zippier? McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery Pinot Blanc has the minerality to inspire; not to mention the balanced fruity and floral notes could bring to mind “honeysuckle,” scoring you 23 points!
Here are some fun newcomers if you are looking to broaden your game night repertoire—plus, it's a great opportunity to branch out on your Napa Valley wine selections.
EXPLODING KITTENS: Don’t worry—no kittens were harmed during the playing of this game.
This simple-to-learn card game is wacky, hilarious and slightly disturbing. With a bit of strategy, a lot of luck and a bottle of Big Cat Wines Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, you’re sure to win—or at least be very entertained and equally satiated by the wine’s tropical notes of white peach and citrus blossom.
If you get knocked out early and find yourself waiting on the sidelines until the next round starts up, bide your time with a glass of Hill Family Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir. Sourced from Knittle Vineyard (hey, that almost sounds like the name of the game!), this crisp and dry wine will surely keep you refreshed until you’re back in the game.
TELESTRATIONS: What happens when the games of Telephone and Pictionary collide? A wonderfully ridiculous crowd-pleaser unfolds. A word becomes a quickly drawn picture that becomes another word as your little notebook makes the rounds among the players.
You’ll want a wine that reveals new layers of flavor over time, as the general hilarity of gameplay calls for slow sipping when the pace quickens. Pop a bottle of Barlow Vineyards Barrouge Cabernet Sauvignon and enjoy the black fruit notes and touches of dark chocolate.
Or, if you’re feeling saucy, try a wine variation of the game. Take, for example, a Markham Vineyards Hopper House Merlot. Player one can jot down the name of the vineyard (Hopper House—the mind boggles with the possibilities of what can be drawn, then morphed among players) or one of the wine’s aromas (briary blackberry?) or flavors (jammy fig?).
You get the picture.
