Chocolate Truffle Recipe and a Wine Tasting Party

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards. All opinions are 100% mine.

This Wine Chocolate Truffle Recipe is perfect for a Wine Tasting Party. These homemade truffles along with sweet and savory appetizers will make your holiday wine party extra special!

I don’t know about you, but time sure seems to be flying by for me. I will go months without seeing my close friends in person and it seems like a blink of an eye. They always said that would happen when I started to get old. I guess they were right. And I guess I’m officially getting old.

But every couple months I make time to have dinner with my friends. Or for a special evening of catching up on our busy lives this Wine Tasting Party is fantastic!

I stocked up on Sonoma-Cutrer Wines because well, it was a wine tasting party. I typically reach for red wine myself, but the Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay tasted amazing with the food that I prepared for the party. Really though, the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is terrific too. Sonoma-Cutrer’s fruit-forward wines pair well with a variety of foods and I had an assortment of sweet and savory.

Sonoma-Cutrer wines are great served at any holiday party or as a gift for a friend during the holiday season! What better gift than wine and chocolates!?!?

Sonoma-Cutrer has been producing the finest quality wines since it opened as a vineyard company in 1973. Built in the hillsides and rocky foothills in the region recognized as the Sonoma Coast Appellation. Sonoma-Cutrer wines are exceptional thanks to the cool, foggy coastal climate.

Make these Wine Infused Chocolate Truffles and Shop Online for Sonoma-Cutrer Wines!

And check out my party photos below for Wine Tasting Party Tips, Tricks and Ideas!

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Wine Chocolate Truffle Recipe

ingredients:

3 Cups Dark Chocolate Chips – divided
1/3 Cup Heavy Cream
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2 Tablespoons Shortening
Maldon Sea Salt

instructions:

In microwave safe bowl; heat 2 cups chocolate chips, cream and butter in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir then microwave 30 more seconds. Stir vigorously until completely smooth. Stir in wine and mix until completely incorporated. Refrigerate for 4 hours or more.

Remove from refrigerator and set at room temp 30 minutes. Scoop chocolate with a small cookie scoop. Use hands to roll into 18-20 truffle balls. Transfer to platter lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

In microwave safe bowl; combine remaining dark chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave 30 seconds then stir vigorously until smooth.

Dip each truffle ball into chocolate coating until evenly coated. Transfer to wax paper line platter and immediately sprinkle with salt. Refrigerate until chocolate coating sets.

There I am pouring myself a glass of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Since I rarely make an appearance on my own blog, I decided to take advantage of having people around and had my mom take a quick photo. See . . . I really do exist!

The best way to prepare for a wine party is to keep it simple. You want foods that are small bites and easy to eat while chatting. A casual setting and recognizable foods keep the party laid back and comfortable.

My home is already decorated for the holidays so I just set up the appetizer spread next to my Christmas tree and mantle. Then I added some greenery and a festive tablecloth.

Get plenty of fruit, meat and cheese! Lots of cheese, of course.

I served Herbed Brie and Camembert. Make sure to take your soft cheeses out about an hour before the party so they can come to room temperature. That way they are creamy and spreadable.

Offer a variety of crackers, bread and chips for dipping and spreading.

The assortment of fresh and dried fruit was the perfect companion to the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

Along with cheese and fruit, meat is necessary. My snack arrangement included salami, prosciutto and coppa.

As an extra I added stuffed green olives and salted cashews to the platter.

It was so nice to catch up with my friends, Mike and Marci. They are my favorite foodie friends!

The Camembert topped with Fig Butter was my personal favorite. The creamy dip with pomegranate and apricots was a big hit! That recipe is coming soon.

Encourage your guests to eat their fill and enjoy the wine!

My most important wine party tip is to offer breads and pasteries. Carbs are definitely a good idea when wine tasting.

My friend Anna agreed and tried to wander off with the bread platter! LOL!

Eat Chocolate. Drink Wine. Have Fun.

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