Wine exchange party

Adults only, and responsible

A wine exchange is for guests who are of legal drinking age and who choose to take part. Make it optional, never pressure anyone to drink, and offer water and non-alcohol drinks at the same level as wine. Plan rides home, a sober host, or a place to stay. Nobody should drive after drinking.

Rules

1. Set one budget such as $20 per bottle, and tell guests.
2. Each guest brings one bottle, wrapped in a bag or paper so the label cannot be seen.
3. Add a tag with a style clue only, such as red, white, sparkling or surprise me.
4. Use the stealing format from white elephant rules, with a steal limit, or draw names for a secret swap.
5. No opening bottles during the swap. Tasting happens after.
6. Keep a list of who brought what so people can thank or ask later.

Draw names for a secret bottle swap. Share one link, no app or signup. Create your group, free

Budget and label rules

• Hide labels and price tags with paper or a bag.
• Tags can name the style but not the producer.
• Ask for no screw-cap jokes unless the group enjoys them.
• Check local rules about alcohol and gifts, which vary by place.

A non-alcohol option

Not everyone drinks, and that is fine. Let guests bring a non-alcohol bottle in the same budget: sparkling juice, a zero-proof spirit, a tea or coffee set, a nice vinegar or olive oil. Wrap it the same way so it is in the same pool. Tell people ahead so nobody feels singled out.

A non-alcohol swap pool is not a downgrade. Make the options as appealing as the wine.

Tasting and hosting tips

See holiday party planning checklist for a timeline and office holiday party ideas if this is a work event.

• Serve snacks like cheese, bread and fruit so people are not drinking on empty stomachs.
• Offer small pours so people can taste.
• Provide cards where guests can note which bottle they liked.
• End the party at a set time and offer water.

Secret bottle swap with a draw

If you cannot all meet, run a secret swap. Draw names with the Secret Santa generator, set the budget and ask guests to use anonymous chat to share taste. Agree on a handover, since some places restrict mailing alcohol, so a pickup or in-person exchange is usually simpler.