As host of a party, should I open the bottle of wine that my guest has brought as a hostess gift?
I say yes, but a friend said she was told it was “a gift for later.” Which is correct?
Filed under: All Things Wine
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This is a good question, because etiquette rules seemed to have changed with the times. I was taught that gift bottles of wine for a gracious host were to be opened and enjoyed by them at a later time, as a kindly reminder of your gratitude for their hospitality.
I was surprised a few years ago when a friend opened a bottle of my Blackstone Shiraz, when his dinner was a light white fish - a great wine that had no place with that dinner. Although this wine was in a reusable wine sack, Harry James Desmet-Bacon, a wine consultant at Beltramo’s Wine and Spirits, say that if it’s tightly wrapped, it’ like saying, "open me later".
When I’m invited to a dinner party, I now call the host and ask them if I can bring them a wine that will compliment their dinner, or if I could bring them one they could enjoy at their leisure. Some friends have their dinner and wine planned out, others are are open to suggestions.
As the host, it’s your prerogative to do what you like with your gift. I stock wines and beers and liquor that will compliment the dinner, so when someone brings me a rogue wine, I want to taste it and enjoy it at my leisure.
Y not ask them if you can open it??
Either is correct. It’s the host/hostess choice.
Always open and serve it with dinner. It shows good taste.
either is fine…no right or wrong answer.
I say "Yes" too. Most times the guest brings the wine or other beverages to augment your supplies in case they start to dwindle.
I agree with you. It’s a gift to you. You should be able to open it whenever you want.
If the person said it was a gift for later, they probably want you to enjoy it at some other time either by yourself or with them.
Etiquette dictates that you don’t have to open wine that people bring as a gift unless you want to.
In a way, you are both correct.
If they are going to stay for your party and are not just "dropping by", then you ask. If it is something that they feel is a special wine just for you, they will say that. If it is a wine they brought to enjoy with you and your friends, then they will say that too.
If they are just dropping by, then it is up to you.