Toast the summer solstice with wine and chocolate

June 03, 2009

Father's Day isn't the only special occasion happening near the end of the month.

June 21 is also the summer solstice, the official start of a new season and the longest day of the year. So why not celebrate all that sunlight by organizing a wine and chocolate party?

This can be a fun and casual way to have a get together with friends and family as well as an excuse to test different kinds of wine and chocolate you may not try otherwise.

One thing to keep in mind is that the wine featured at the event should be sweet. A bold and bitter wine will not pair well with chocolate. Ask your guests to bring wine that is light and fruity.

In terms of chocolate, pair the milk chocolate pieces with an appropriate lighter wine; as the chocolate gets darker, so can the strength or intensity of the wine.

Be sure to provide placecards or informational notes as a way for people learn about the kind of wine they are drinking as well as the chocolate they are combining it with. And don't forget to raise a glass to the sun.