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BARTENDER'S
WINE EXPERT: JOSEPH DELISSIO |
INVITE
WINE TO HAPPY HOUR
by Joseph DeLissio |
Okay, I know what you're thinking, what exactly does the wine guy have to do with Happy Hour? After all, these sacred sixty minutes have been reserved for the beer and cocktail crowd long before terms like ladies night and singles night ever hit the bar scene.
So, who am I to cross that line? What's the wine guy supposed to do? It took a few days after receiving my editor's request for a wine related Happy Hour article before realizing that he just might be on to something.
Why hasn't wine been a player in the Happy Hour arena? After all, wine consumption as well as popularity of wine is at an all time high these days. Wine is also the alcoholic beverage of choice when it comes to food. Let's not forget the fact that wine's lower alcohol levels (when compared to spirits) is another reason that wine and Happy Hour are well suited for each other.
I got to thinking about how wine and Happy Hour might just become better friends, so, keep an open mind and read on.
With many bars and taverns offering wines by the glass these days, why not offer a sampling of several wines during Happy Hour? For a reduced charge (as is often the case during these jovial periods) you could serve three 2 ounce samplings of three different wines. When perched upon an individual serving tray garnished with slices of assorted cheese and a bowl of assorted fruit or nuts they make a nice presentation.
What red wine drinker wouldn't enjoy tasting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a Pinot Noir or a Syrah side by side? Or how about three different Cabernet Sauvignons from different wine regions or, the same exact wine from three different vintages served side by side. Hey, nobody ever said Happy Hour can't be educational as well as tasty.
If your patrons favor white wine, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling would make fine and interesting neighbors, and who among us wouldn't enjoy tasting a flight of three Champagne and sparkling wines?
Including an information sheet (high lighted with your establishment's logo of course) with facts about wines being featured is one way for your customers to remember not only the wines they tasted but where they tasted them. You may be surprised to learn that couples may be a bit more ready to join into Happy Hour festivities if wine is put on the dance card.
Many wineries would gladly help you set up an event. They also will be quite willing to send samples for your staff, maps or even complementary corkscrews for your guests, but, you have to ask.
Unlike so many other alcoholic beverages, the mixing of different wines together seldom creates trouble for the average digestive system. And, because wine and food go together so well, you may also find your staff selling more appetizers along the way. There is only one thing better than wine and food, and that's wine, food, and profits. "DRINK WELL."
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