Wine is communal. It’s meant to be shared. It always has been. Sure, a glass after work while you sit on the couch and enjoy a quiet moment alone is a pleasure. But opening a bottle and sharing it with a friend or two? That’s often where the magic happens and the memories are made.
There’s a wine-focused campaign launching next month, Come Over October, that’s all about inviting that magic and making those memories. It encourages wine lovers to “toast togetherness,” and we can’t think of a better way to toast by gathering with friends and family than with a glass of New Jersey wine.
The campaign is the brainchild of wine journalist Karen MacNeil who is joined by communications veterans Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles in the endeavor. The goal is to encourage people to invite friends, family, and colleagues to “come over” during October to share wine and experience in-person connections.
We’re inspired by this campaign, dreaming of all the ways to add a New Jersey focus to Come Over October gatherings.
Tips for Celebrating Come Over October
We asked wine professional and NJ wine supporter wine Hank Zona—who is no stranger to gathering people at his home for communal wine tastings—for a few suggestions to help you start to plan a Come Over October gathering with a Garden State theme.
“First and foremost, getting people together is the purpose, so opt for a more casual gathering,” says Zona. “Don’t even be afraid to be spontaneous. Send word out the same day for pizza on the porch or a firepit chat.”
“Or, if you want to get more thematic, do an all Jersey dinner. Source your foods from local in-state growers and makers and of course, serve Jersey wine with it,” he advises. “You’ll find most of the better wineries make food friendly styles of wine.”
These are both great ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a little something to add to the feast, or a wine to add to the drinks table. Let guests know you’ll be popping corks on bottles from some of your favorite New Jersey wineries, but if they show up with something from out of state, welcome it in the spirit of the event—connecting with others in your home over wine, whatever that wine is.
Zona has an important tip for those who do want to serve New Jersey wine.
“You won’t easily find New Jersey wine in most retailers so plan ahead a bit,” he suggests. “If you don’t live near a favorite winery, you can order from some wineries for in-state shipping or delivery. Just allow time.”
Most importantly, don’t stress over having people over. If your house is imperfect, no one will care. Go ahead and use paper plates if you want. Ask people to BYOG if you don’t have enough wine glasses. People are coming for the community, the conversations, and the wine.
And when it comes to that wine, if possible, don’t share just any wine. Share New Jersey wine!
Searching for a BIG way to show your support of New Jersey wine and winemakers? November is New Jersey Wine Month with a huge movement to support our local farmers and winemakers by visiting New Jersey wineries all month long. Our newsletter In the Vines is a great way to stay in the know about all things Garden State wines.
Whether you’re home celebrating Come Over October or venturing from winery to winery during New Jersey Wine Month in November, we are here to help. Cheers to New Jersey wine!
