Ready to host a sizzling summer white party? Our estate wine experts have some great tips to help you make the most of the season.

“From the Hamptons to Los Angeles, well-known fashion and entertainment celebrities have been hosting elegant ‘white parties’ every summer for many years. With all-white clothing and décor, these iconic events are a celebration of everything warm weather-related and summer-worthy—including white wines,” said Alisha Forester, Sales Director for Biltmore Wines.

1. Find the perfect spot

Start by choosing your location first, as that sets the tone for your summer white party.

• Gardens and patios with easy access to the indoors make for a great party, and hosting your event poolside makes a big splash!
• For outdoor parties, make sure you have a backup plan for weather, plenty of shade, and other conveniences for your guests.

Tip: Create classic summer white party style with all-white décor, which can be as simple as white tablecloths and white flowers, especially if you’re celebrating outdoors.

2. Select some white wines

It’s not a summer white party without your favorite Biltmore white wines, and we handcraft wonderful options from still to sparkling.

Try these easy white flights–we’ve already arranged the wines for you in order from lighter styles to those with more body:

• Dry white flight: Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio, Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc, Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay, and Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay.
• Sweet white flight: Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat, Century Sweet White, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc.
• Sparkling white flight: Biltmore Estate® Brut, Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs, Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir.

Tip: Keep the party kid-friendly with plenty of Biltmore Sparkling White Grape Juice, available in estate gift shops.

3. Pair a signature dish with white wine

Delight your guests with this fresh citrusy twist on classic Italian panna cotta with a surprising ingredient: goat cheese. With its characteristic rich flavor, creamy texture, and a bright pop of color, Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée is perfect for an indulgent summer white party treat!

Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée

Gelée

• ¾ cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin powder

Combine grapefruit juice, sugar, and gelatin powder in a small sauce pan. Whisk well and bring to a boil. Pour 1 ounce of the juice mixture into each of 6 (4-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins in the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.

Panna Cotta

• 3 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup sugar
• 7 teaspoons (3½ packets) unflavored gelatin powder
• 14 ounces goat cheese, softened

Combine heavy cream, sugar, and gelatin powder in a medium saucepan. Whisk well and bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Add the softened goat cheese to the mixture and continue to whisk until completely smooth.

Divide the goat cheese panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins. Pour it over the firmly set grapefruit gelée and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.

Run a knife between the panna cotta and the ramekin to release and invert onto a plate. If the panna cotta won’t come out, turn it upside down and run hot tap water over the bottom of the ramekin for 30–60 seconds, then gently tap onto a plate

Tip: Crisp, sparkling Biltmore Estate® Brut with notes of citrus, strawberry, honey, and apricot is a perfect partner for Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée.

4. Celebrate your summer white party

Once you’ve chosen your location, selected the Biltmore wines you’ll serve, and created the perfect menu, what’s left?

Don your favorite all-white outfit and invite friends and family to join you for a wonderful summer celebration!

Cheers!