How to Have A Wine & Cheese Party For $100

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post paid for by ALDI. I received a gift certificate of $100 to purchase the items for my party, but was not compensated in any other way.

I love throwing a good party.

I love the food. The friends. The conversation. And the wine.

But it is hard to throw a good party (the kind where the wine doesn’t stop flowing till 1 am, but at that point it’s okay) on a budget.

Luckily with the help of ALDI, some careful planning, and some time in the kitchen, a great wine and cheese party can be thrown for $100 or less.

Step One: Determine Your Menu

The easiest menu for a party is an appetizer and wine party. Everyone loves a good appetizers, they are easily portable, and usually filled with protein and fat (which is also good for the wine part of the equation.) I also like recipes that can be prepped ahead of time. So I picked Caramelized Onion Dip with Pita Chips and Spinach Artichoke Bread from the ALDI website. I knew I could make the dip and the filling for the bread the day before. I also planned on picking up several different Special Selection Cheeses from ALDI’s dairy case and fun crackers. And as any good host…I was going to let my guests provide a little help and make their favorite desserts. (I’ve also made a list of the things I do to entertain stress free, if you are interested.)

Step Two: Determine Your Drinks

I knew the majority of guests would be wine drinkers, so I planned on getting an assortment of whites and reds (because it is always fun to try something new) and having ice water available as well.

Step Three: Go Shopping

I went to my local ALDI that sells alcohol (for us Kansas Citites, that means a Missouri ALDI.)

Here is what I bought:

• Pita Chips for $1.99
• Flat Leaf Spinach for $1.69
• Canned Artichokes for $2.49
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese Cup for $1.99
• Blue Cheese Crumbles for $1.99
• Assorted Crackers for $3.49
• Cream Cheese for $.89
• Mozzarella Cheese for $1.49
• Italian Seasoning for $.99
• Goat Cheese Logs for $1.99
• Welsh Cheddar for $3.49
• Mayonnaise for $1.99
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil for $2.99
• Fage Greek Yogurt for $3.29
• Sour Cream for $1.29
• White Cheddar with Cranberries for $3.29
• Aged Gouda for $2.99
• Harviti With Dill for $2.99
• Landshut Riesling for $4.99
• (2) Burlwood Cellars Cabernet for $9.98 <—-RECEIVED HIGH MARKS
• Intermingle Red Blend for $5.99
• Lost Cellar Red Blend for $6.99
• Sunshine Bay Sauvignon Blanc for $13.98 <—-AMAZING WINE
• (2) Vina Decana Tempranillo for $9.98
• Villa Malizia Pinot Grigio for $4.99
• Baguette for $1.08

Total: $99.30

The Outcome

People were shocked when I told them the nine bottles of wine (yes, 3/4 of a case) came from ALDI. The Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet received HIGH marks from multiple drinkers.

And while the wine shocked them, the cheeses from ALDI were the biggest surprise. People were convinced I had bought them at Whole Foods and paid three times the amount. I loved being able to show the receipt that their beloved aged gouda was only $2.99 per wedge. #gourmetonabudget

Your Turn

If you have been thinking about throwing a holiday or New Year’s Party, embrace the urge and just DO IT.  to do it, For around $100 and a trip to ALDI, you will be able to talk, share, joke, laugh, and connect with your friends while eating gourmet food. Trust me, for a party that will be labeled as great when it is over, it’s hard to find a better way to spend a Benjamin.

Disclosure: I am an ALDI Super Fan. ALDI provide me a $100 gift certificate to purchase the items for the party, but I was not compensated in any other way. As always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Want more information – check out my Disclosure Statement.