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I absolutely love Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi and all of the Robert Mondavi wines. So this spring while I was in California with one of my best friends we HAD to take a tour. It was sooo beautiful and such a great getaway!
We had such an awesome time experiencing his amazing wines and learning more about the wines and the brands under the Mondavi label.
For example, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi was created with sharing in mind. Over thirty years ago, Robert Mondavi embarked on a mission to create a wine culture in America by putting great California wine on every table.
“I was trying to plant deep into the soil of our young country the same values, traditions, and daily pleasures that my mother and father had brought with them from the hills and valleys of central Italy: good food, good wine, and love of family.”
– Robert Mondavi
They have even created a Simple Entertaining Social Hub that gives great tips for party planning and entertaining
I picked up these stemless wine glasses and marble wine stopper to make sure I remember to share. 😉
Here are some pictures from my experience at the Robert Mondavi Winery and my SnapChats!
As you all know we recently bought our new home and have been so welcomed by our new neighbors. Since I travel a lot I thought what better way to get to know each other better than by throwing a block party at our home? I love the whole atmosphere of the winery and really wanted to incorporate it into theme of the party.
So when I had the opportunity to collaborate with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi on my party I was thrilled. Actually thrilled is an understatement. Since Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is so perfect for sharing and creating my favorite summer drink recipes I was set.
I wanted to keep it classic and simple so I chose to do a fresh seasonal strawberry as my theme flavor. I used that flavor to create my menu around, which included a charcuterie tray and fresh strawberry basil sangria.
If you haven’t heard of a charcuterie (shar-coo-tur-ee) tray, it simply means meat. It can be as complicated or as simple as you like. If you choose to do dry-cured meats, putting together a charcuterie board doesn’t even require any actual cooking. You just need some know-how in the meat section at the grocery store and an eye for pretty arrangements.
Charcuterie Tray in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Choose your meats
Finding charcuterie doesn’t require a specialty butcher. A trip to your local neighborhood grocery will suffice. I’ve found that most grocery stores usually have a small but sufficient specialty meat and cheese section.
Once you have the meats chosen, assembly is quick and easy, but the final result looks like you spent hours preparing for your guests. Which, of course, you did! Right? Wink wink!
For my board, I chose four meats: prosciutto, capocollo, smoked turkey and calabrese. You will want to get these meats very thinly sliced so that they can be used to top crackers and bread. You can usually buy the meats pre-sliced in the package, so you don’t have a flag down a butcher at the store.
Step 2: Choosing your cheese
I think that deciding what cheeses to use is one of the funnest parts! I love me some cheese.
If you’re stumped on what cheese to select, pick one each mild, medium and sharp. It’s always great to mix different flavor combinations. Who knows, you might find your next favorite! Some solid go-to’s are Gruyere, Gouda, and mozzarella.
Step 3: Choosing your spreads
For spreads I love a berry preserve and a truffle mustard. Try to think of items that have deep gorgeous colors not- just yummy flavors! Honey makes a great addition and you can usually get it locally which makes it even more fun!
Step 4: Choosing your desserts
Okay, I said choosing the cheese was my favorite part but maybe that’s tied with choosing the dessert(s). Some people don’t add desserts to their charcuterie trays but I do!
A small dessert can really tie all of the flavors and culinary theme together. As well as pair with your Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi wine very well. For my party I served these beautiful and extra delicious strawberry and cream cheese cupcakes. They matched the color and flavor scheme of my soiree perfectly!
On my tray I took a block of mozzarella and sliced into half inch square sticks. I then wrapped them in slices of prosciutto and stacked them in small pyramid patterns. This helped create depth and variation on my tray.
And there you have it. A gorgeous serving board piled high with meats, cheeses, crackers, and bread not only looks amazing on a table, it creates a natural gathering spot for guests to gab and eat.
Now on to the best part- THE DRINKS!
For my party I chose to continue the strawberry theme and used the basil to tie in my caprese skewers.
Strawberry Basil Sangria
- 750 ml sweet riesling
- 1/4 cup basil simple syrup (You’ll need 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup fresh basil leaves)
- 8 oz strawberries
- 1/4 cup white rum
Instructions
- Make the basil simple syrup by bringing the sugar and the water to a boil over low heat, stirring regularly. Once the sugar is completely combined, add the basil leaves, and allow to cool completely.
- Combine the riesling, basil simple syrup (with leaves removed for a clearer color), strawberries, and rum. Refrigerate about 8 hours before serving.
Our party was a success and even though it rained forcing us to move it indoors, it was such a perfect evening! We can’t wait to throw another one!
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to do a charcuterie board or break open the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. You can whip up your own charcuterie board anytime and for any occasion. Create a relaxed yet sophisticated block party or take a date night in to the next level.
What do you put on your charcuterie trays? Have you ever thrown a block party? I’d love to hear your favorite party throwing tips and flavors!
XOXO~ D&M
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Connect with the Simple Entertaining Social Hub for more amazing party planning tips and resources!
This is like my ideal dinner every night! I love all of the tips and that sangria recipe! #client