Wines for a Big Event – Episode #770

November 18, 2009

Since Gary Vaynerchuk gets so many emails asking about how to pick wines for weddings and other events, he invited celebrity event planner Marcy Bloom to tackle it with him on the Thunder Show.

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Comments on this episode(149) Post a comment ›

“QOTD: who attends is very important, but there is a lot of value in tr…” by richardvinifera
“Fun episode! I liked the guest; she seemed really friendly and fun. Ga…” by Monica in Texas
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2008 Campuget Blanc Costieres De NimesNimes
2007 Cristia Cotes Du RhoneCotes du Rhone Rouge
Vega Barcelona Brut ReservaSpanish Brut Nonvintage

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Posted in Cotes Du Rhone, Nimes, Spanish, Video, brut, red, review, white, wine, wines

View Comments

November 19, 2009

alexkeywest
Marcy is having a problem because she usually swallows
November 19, 2009

Jake Skakun
Great show.

QOTD: The company and the wine.
November 19, 2009

Amie
enjoyed the show – I can relate to your guest- definitely nice to have a common wine drinker who reacts to wines the way I might.

QOTD – the music! i’m all about the dancing – I hate when a bad song is played that it clears the dance floor. Of course you have to have good drinks so the drunks come out to dance also – its the only way my husband will get out and dance!
November 19, 2009

hasbeen
QOTD: The composition of the attendees. Everything flows from that. The right chemistry in a crowd can make up for most other deficits.
November 19, 2009

Phredd
Not a big fan of this guest, but at least she didn’t get in the way. She was a little shy, which worked out well for you, Gary.

QOTD1: Nothing yet. Thinking about it, but not quite ready to make it happen.

QOTD2: Parties are all about the people. Great guests can even make up for a lousy host. Not that you prefer it that way, but the number one factor for success is the guest list.
November 19, 2009

jwink
QOTD: The company is the most important part, it’s all about the people you’re with. Good food and drinks don’t hurt either.
November 19, 2009

Purple Grillz
QOTD The quality of the party depends on the quality of the guests first, music, second, and atmosphere(set and setting), third.

My wife and I got married on a vineyard in late summer on Long Island, it was stellar.

Love the longer shows, love the guests. i would like some reappearing guests with a different palette, just for contrast. Also like to see more “on location” tastings
November 19, 2009

ex-lurkdawg
Most important to me are probably the things you mentioned earlier: food, wine, and music. I can’t put one above the others.
November 19, 2009

David Dadekian
QOTD: The photographer! As you can probably guess that’s what I do and I loved some of Marcy’s descriptions of bad banquet facilities. Fortunately I get to work some of the better places in New England so more often then not the wine is good (if I ever get to try it!).

My actual answer to the question is the venue’s service. If things go smoothly & quickly (no one wants to be sitting for dinner for 2 hours), the party keeps going that much better.

Thanks for an excellent and fun episode.
November 19, 2009

Pat B
QOTD: Giving people an opportunity to have fun and try new things.
November 20, 2009

Dan "On Tap"
Really is too bad about that one white…I really wish I had more income/space for this 2007 vintage of Rhone reds…

QOTD: After my wedding a year and half ago, what made it for me is that everyone who came had a good time, be it wife’s family, groom’s family, friends, or honored guests. Although, a little social lubricant during the cocktail hour doesn’t hurt…:-)
November 20, 2009

KevinL
Gotta get my hands on some of those 07′s

The music makes or breaks a party for me. Great show.
November 20, 2009

YoungDave
QOTD: In the restaurant setting, service is key. As for large format parties, I think that overall organization (food, ambiance, service, layout) makes for a smoothly-run, memorable event.
November 20, 2009

Rowiebabe
Post number TWO!
Love your guest, really nice that her fresh honest opinions about the wine were so well received. Its easy to be afraid to speak to an expert when you don’t consider yourself a massive wine guru.
QOTD 1; I love the book and have some ideas racing around my brain on how I can bring my passion for my profession onto the internet. Its a long draw of the bow but some good ideas are percolating… I love that no passion is excluded from the joy of sharing with interested folk around the world, potentially at least!
QOTD 2: Atmosphere is the key- of course that is dependent upon so many mysterious factors coming together, but when the atmosphere is right you can forgive any number of minor errors along the way, you are having the time of your life regardless
November 20, 2009

QUE
QOTD: I agree with another commenter. It’s all about what you bring to the table. You can have fun anywhere but the reverse goes as well, if you are in a crappy mood you can ruin anything for yourself.
November 20, 2009

jayhitek
Solid guest. Very honest and funny.
You could see the pressure she was facing asking if she liked it before GV gave his opinion. I couldn’t handle that kind of pressure. I would have caved.
QOTD1: Didn’t read it. Sorry GV.
QOTD2: Service. Have the food available and moving around the room dammit. (during the cocktail hour). Nothing like seeing one server with one tray moving around a room of 130 people. And there are only 10 things on her tray to begin with.
November 20, 2009

Chippewamike
Gotta agree. . . solid guest. Gave her honest opinion on the wines (even though she seemed a bit intimidated!)

QOTD1: Yes I have. . . using it to gain viewership on my blog (www.thewinemonologues.com )

QOTD2: Atmosphere. . . which guests have alot to do with. . . good guests, usually have a good party.
November 20, 2009

TommyB
She was cool – QOTD: THE MUSIC OF COURSE!!! Give me some beats and I’m off to the races!!
November 20, 2009

Mike in C-town
QOTD: Location/ atmosphere is key. Then food.
November 20, 2009

Made By Foot
QOTD: The atmosphere.

Why does Mott not want to visit Louisiana? Is it because the New Orleans Saints sent the NY Giants on their 4 game losing streak?

WHO DAT!
November 20, 2009

pawncop
Good episode and good guest.

QOTD – Hopefully, the fellowship and environment. Sort of dropped out of the party scene a number of years ago and believe it was a good decision. Way too many “issues” for my taste.
November 20, 2009

Robin C
Interesting comment on the 08 Campuget Blanc Costieres De Nimes. I often do not care for Roussanne. Or maybe it’s Marsanne.

QOTD: I’ve read most of Crush It. I have not yet integrated it into my life.
I don’t care for parties unless I know and like most of the people there. Once I’m there, if Yellow Tail or Little Penguin is served, my mood is ratcheted down a bit, so I guess I need drinkable wine. I always appreciate it if the party giver has thoughtfully included some fruit or vegetable or fish dish so that I don’t gain 5 pounds in an evening (which has happened). I like to have the feeling that someone cares for me. Maybe I expect too much of parties. But I don’t care about decorations. They’re quite secondary.
November 20, 2009

Joe
Great guest! Loved it when she got startled a little as Gary BURST into the intro! Haha!

QOTD: Creating memories. Or celebrating them…you choose.
November 20, 2009

Cool Dave
Hey Gary ,
Late post. Been lurking last couple episodes. Buisy at work, holidays upcoming too.
Great show !! We all love you and thanks for the content. My new wine passion is a blast!
In response to some other comments about the guest’s apparent shyness I can only say, dude!
If I were on the Thunder Show I would not hesitate to tell you if I thought a wine sucked.
I did just have my first Châteauneuf-du-Pape and am now an addict. It is not because you like them ! They are just damn GOOD! I mean HOLY CRAP!
As for the Burgundian Chard’s you like. You need a new monster. The Acid Monster!
Dude, most of the ones I have had have more acid than the entire Greatful Dead road crew.
Cool Dave
November 20, 2009

Andrew D
Thanks Guys

QOTD: Most important thing in a party? Well probably the guests, followed food, drinks, venue and music

Cheers
Andrew
November 21, 2009

John J.
qotd the people

Gary, can you throw a vin jaune on the show?
November 21, 2009

Michael Steele
QOTD: For sure the music. If the playlist isn’t right people will bail after about 30 minutes. Changing up the music is also a great way to get people to leave at the end of the night.
November 21, 2009

jsums
QOTD – Good music, then booze, then food…
November 22, 2009

Jack O'C
QOTD: Drinks, Drinks, and more Drinks. I, like so many other “dudes” in their mid-20s, am a firm believer in the idea that if the bar is open and everyone’s gears are greased, then the party naturally follows. Immature? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.

Great episode! I am getting married next October, and this gave me some great insight as to planning our wine selections for the reception!
November 22, 2009

Beeper
QOTD: The Guests
November 22, 2009

dmitrievsom
What a wonderful lady on the show. It was a pleasure to hear her comments. You really jumped on her during the Cava tasting) but she took it well, even though she looked a bit surprised at the beginning with your opening speech, after she got used to you fast) My question to you, Gary, why did you choose Cava for the last wine to taste? I would put it 1st, it was a nice Brut to begin with. Plus I was alwasys wondering. You do refresh a glass, but don’t refresh your mouth receptors. I’ve tasted lately Primitivo first & after Negroamaro Cantele. I didn’t refresh my mouth and later understood that it was a small mistake, cause the tannins from the 1st really added some more bitterness to the 2d wine. And later same day at night I’ve tasted Negroamaro again and it was muuch more light on the palette. So whatya think about it?)
QOTD: The most important aspect of a party is the beginning! I work as a sommelier at hotel and have seen loads of different parties) If you impress your guests from the start with some nice new cocktail or interesting pairing of amuse bouche with the wine they will be in a good mood. Than you just have to maintain this spirit with a good service and some other shocking-impressive moments. A nice good-bye “digestivO” (your style:) could be in place as well)
Wish you all best,
Alexey from Ukraine.
November 22, 2009

M
QOTD: I would want the party to be an occasion and an atmosphere where people want to be there. And the guests enjoy being there. I don’t want it to feel like an obligation to be there.
November 22, 2009

Don Simpson
Fun guest!!! Good show.

QOTD: Definitely without a doubt… the PEOPLE (then the vino)
November 22, 2009

Joe
Hey Gary, as a Jersey boy yourself, ever think about a jersey episode? I live not far from a winery in Hammonton, and i know there are other great NJ vintners, lets get some Jersey Love up in here
November 22, 2009

DryDrew
QOTD: Its the people who make the atmosphere, friends and family.
(Congrats on episode 770 it’s a lucky number)
November 23, 2009

Denise
QOTD: Going to try and apply the Crush IT ideas into our family business first. Using all the social platforms out there.

QOTD: The people attending the party and making sure they have a good time.
November 23, 2009

De'nise
Forgot to say I enjoyed the show and love your candid thoughts. It is what it is!!
November 23, 2009

Dmitri
liked the “compot” reference!
November 24, 2009

Weston
qotd: Food you can not run out or else well its just bad, Alcohol should be enough where people get enough and not complain. and Good Music…..GOOD music
November 24, 2009

ben from boston
qotd – the guest list.
November 24, 2009

Steven Antwerp
really happy that you enjoyed the Cristia CDR, I also have it in my shop and I’m equally excited about it. Another great ‘smack in the face’ wine from that region is Santa Duc (gigondas) which I’m sure you know. The ‘haute garrigue’ of 2007 scored 97+, but they also have some great value wines. check it out G!
November 24, 2009

Steven Antwerp
Oh and I liked your quote of the month: “That’s the way I wanna see the sniffy-sniff go down” lol
November 24, 2009

JayZee
Good episode, but the guest kind of bored me. Sorry.

QOTD: I think the most important thing in a party is who is invited. The guests make or break the party irrespective of how much work you put into the food, beverages, or anything else. I guess that’s assuming that the hosts didn’t screw everything else up, but I figured that that was a given.
November 24, 2009

Don Findley
Great show needed some mmpf cool guest mediocre wines I felt. and Happy. if a party isnt happy its not a party
November 26, 2009

Richie
QOTD: Food and drink. If those two run out the party is pretty much done for.
November 27, 2009

AMM3RD
Party needs to have flow, and you need to feel welcome…AMM
November 27, 2009

michael j lambie
on that note, i think i’ll have to grab some steamers.
December 14, 2009

Monica in Texas
Fun episode! I liked the guest; she seemed really friendly and fun. Gary and Marcy had a good interchanged, no one trying to talk over the other.

QOTD: Good mix of folks from different friend circles. I like to bring a lot of different types of people together, so our conversations range all over the place, and everyone has a fun and interesting time.
March 29, 2010

richardvinifera
QOTD: who attends is very important, but there is a lot of value in transforming a space, if only with inexpensive items, like fairy lights, drapes etc, to create a different atmosphere