Girlfriend Getaways

Page: 3 4 5 6 (of 6)	Previous | Next

sip, sniff, and socialize

A little bit of wine is good for the heart, according to studies. So why not host a wine-tasting gathering focusing on aromas and flavors in wine?

Let your friends test their olfactory powers by comparing the aroma and flavors wafting from a glass of wine to some sample foods. Here’s how it’s done: Set out glasses, each holding a slice or sample of food that’s used to describe wines. Just read the wine labels to get ideas. For instance, Chardonnay is said to have the aroma of pears, as well as vanilla and apples. Merlot often has the aroma of cherries and cloves. The aroma of raspberries is found in many red wines, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.

Pour the wine and let the comparisons begin. If you focus only on red wines, you’ll be pouring glasses full of resveratrol, an antioxidant compound that has been linked with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Pinot Noirs have been found to be especially high in resveratrol. But remember the moderation rule. Heart-healthy benefits diminish with overindulgence in wine. Be sure to set out plenty of good-for-you munchies, too: nuts and whole grain breads or crackers with mild cheese and fruit. You’ll find that working on a shared project will draw out people and bring them closer together. “Women really do love to learn, and we love having things to do,” Maffeo says. “I think women are a lot more social when there’s a focal point.”