If you’ve ever hosted a wine tasting, you know that the right appetizers can make all the difference. Sure, the wine is the star, but pairing it with the perfect appetizers takes your party from good to unforgettable. I’ve hosted my fair share of wine tastings, and let me tell you—guests always remember the appetizers almost as much as the wine!
Whether you’re serving light, delicate bites or bold, flavorful treats, it’s all about finding the ideal pairing to complement your wine. I’ve rounded up over 22 show-stopping appetizers for a wine tasting that will elevate your event and have everyone raving about the food. Get ready to host the best wine tasting party ever!
22 Best Appetizers for a Wine Tasting Party
Cheese & Charcuterie
A cheese and charcuterie board is always my go-to for a wine tasting party. There’s just something so satisfying about mixing and matching creamy brie, tangy blue cheese, and sharp aged cheddar with salty prosciutto, rich pâté, and crunchy almonds. I love adding fresh fruits like figs and grapes to balance out the flavors—it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds! The best part? It’s totally customizable and doesn’t require any cooking. It’s a guaranteed hit every time.
Savory Skewers with Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Pickled Peaches
Let me tell you, these skewers are the perfect mix of salty, creamy, and tangy! The mozzarella and prosciutto pair so well with the unexpected sweetness of pickled peaches—it’s a flavor explosion your guests won’t see coming. I love serving these with a glass of Pinot Grigio or rosé; they’re simple to assemble but feel like a gourmet treat.
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Marinated Olives and Feta
This is my go-to when I need something quick but absolutely delicious. The olives soak up all the aromatic herbs and spices, while the feta adds that perfect salty, creamy touch. Whether you’re sipping on a bold red or a crisp white, this appetizer is guaranteed to complement your wine tasting lineup beautifully. Just mix, marinate, and you’re ready to wow!
Whipped Feta Crostini with Hot Honey
This one’s a total crowd-pleaser—creamy whipped feta spread over crispy crostini and topped with a drizzle of spicy hot honey. It’s sweet, savory, and a little spicy, which makes it absolutely irresistible. I love how it pairs with sparkling wines or a Sauvignon Blanc, adding a touch of elegance to your spread.
Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
These are always a hit at my wine tastings! The creamy goat cheese stuffed into sweet dates and roasted to perfection is a match made in appetizer heaven. They’re rich and indulgent but pair perfectly with Zinfandel or Chardonnay, creating a balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Mini Caprese Skewers
You can’t go wrong with a classic! These little skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil are as refreshing as they are easy to make. I like to drizzle them with balsamic glaze for that extra touch of sweetness. They’re the perfect pairing for a crisp white wine and are so easy for guests to snack on while mingling.
Sautéed Polenta with Marinara Sauce
Polenta rounds topped with rich marinara sauce? Yes, please! This appetizer is hearty yet elegant and pairs especially well with a bold Merlot. I love how it brings a cozy, comforting vibe to the table while still feeling fancy enough for a wine tasting.
Related: 27 Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipes That Will Make Lunch Your Favorite Meal
Caviar & Homemade Blini with Crème Fraîche
For something truly luxurious, you can’t beat caviar served on fluffy homemade blini with a dollop of crème fraîche. It’s sophisticated and surprisingly simple to prepare. Pair it with Champagne or a crisp Chardonnay for the ultimate indulgence. Trust me, your guests will feel like royalty!
Seared Ahi Tuna
This one’s a showstopper! Perfectly seared ahi tuna served with a soy dipping sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds feels both light and elegant. Pair it with a chilled white or rosé, and you’ve got a combination that’s guaranteed to impress.
Gougères (French Cheese Puffs)
These little cheese puffs are my secret weapon! Airy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, they’re always a favorite at wine tastings. I pop them in the oven just before guests arrive, and the warm, cheesy aroma sets the perfect tone. Plus, they pair beautifully with almost any wine.
Spring Rolls
Fresh, vibrant, and crunchy, spring rolls are a fantastic addition to any wine tasting. I fill mine with shrimp, veggies, and fresh herbs, then serve them with a tangy or peanut dipping sauce. They’re as colorful as they are delicious and pair wonderfully with Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir.
Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki
These spiced lamb meatballs paired with creamy tzatziki are always a hit. They’re tender, flavorful, and bring just the right amount of indulgence to your wine tasting. Pair them with a fruity Merlot or smooth Shiraz, and you’ve got a winner!
Related: 15 Luau Finger Food Ideas We Can’t Resist
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled chicken topped with fresh, zesty bruschetta? Say no more! This dish is light yet bursting with flavor, making it an ideal pairing with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. I love how the juicy chicken works so perfectly with the tangy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet, rich finish. Every time I serve this, someone inevitably asks for the recipe—it’s that good.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
I can’t think of a more crowd-pleasing appetizer than grilled shrimp skewers. They’re so versatile—you can marinate them in a simple garlic lemon butter or spice things up with a chili glaze. Pair them with a crisp Chardonnay or even a sparkling Prosecco, and they’re an instant hit. Plus, they’re quick to cook and easy to prep ahead of time. If you want to impress without breaking a sweat, shrimp skewers are the way to go.
Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Pecans
Every time I make baked brie, it’s the first thing to disappear. The creamy brie paired with sweet fig jam and crunchy pecans is pure magic. I love serving it with a crusty baguette or some crisp crackers for an elegant touch. It pairs so beautifully with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweeter Riesling, so you really can’t go wrong. Trust me, your guests will be talking about this one long after the party ends.
Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms
If you’ve never tried Boursin-stuffed mushrooms, let me tell you—you’re missing out. These little bites are packed with rich, herbed cheese that perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms. They’re elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. You can prep them ahead of time and just bake them right before serving. Whether your guests are sipping red or white wine, these pair beautifully with both!
Smoked Salmon Crostini
I love the luxurious feel of smoked salmon crostini—they’re so simple yet look incredibly chic. A crisp baguette slice topped with creamy cream cheese, fresh dill, and smoky salmon is always a crowd-pleaser. They pair like a dream with Champagne or Sauvignon Blanc, and they’re light enough to keep your guests coming back for more. Bonus points for how gorgeous they look on a platter!
Green Olive Tapenade
I can never resist a good tapenade! The briny green olive blend with garlic, capers, and a touch of lemon juice makes the most amazing spread for crostini or crackers. It’s simple, Mediterranean-inspired, and feels effortlessly fancy. A crisp white wine or a light rosé really brings out the flavors. A little bit of tapenade goes a long way, and it’s always a hit with my guests.
Caramelized Onions & Goat Cheese Tartlets
These tartlets are little bites of heaven. The sweet caramelized onions paired with tangy goat cheese create such a lovely balance of flavors. They’re perfect with a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a creamy white like Chardonnay. I also love how easy they are to eat—just the right size for a wine-tasting party. Prep them ahead, warm them up, and you’re good to go.
Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe
There’s something so satisfying about the salty-sweet combo of prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe. It’s light, refreshing, and oh-so-elegant. These bites are perfect for balancing the richer appetizers on the table, and they pair beautifully with a chilled sparkling wine or Sauvignon Blanc. They’re easy to assemble but look super fancy—my kind of appetizer!
Cucumber Bites
For something light and refreshing, cucumber bites are a must. I usually top them with a tangy herbed yogurt or a cream cheese spread for a little extra flavor. They’re crisp, cool, and such a nice contrast to richer options like baked brie or stuffed mushrooms. Pair them with a sparkling rosé or a dry white wine, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced appetizer that feels fresh and fun.
Final Thoughts
When I’m hosting a wine tasting party, I know the appetizers can make or break the evening. I love offering a mix of light bites like cucumber rounds and spring rolls alongside indulgent treats like lamb meatballs with tzatziki or baked brie topped with fig jam. For me, the secret is all about variety and thoughtfully pairing each dish with the wines I’m serving. These are some of my go-to appetizers that always get rave reviews, and I hope they inspire you to create a wine tasting night your friends won’t stop talking about. After all, it’s not just about the wine—the appetizers are just as key to making the night unforgettable!
