A couple I know recently hosted a multipurpose party at their house. It was close to the Fourth of July, their kids were celebrating milestones socially, educationally, and professionally, and retirement was being discussed. We were also quietly celebrating the stabilized health of one member of the couple who had been receiving cancer treatments.

The guest list included a mix of wine lovers, beer drinkers, and nondrinkers. One of the quandaries facing the hosts was how to get creative and have some fun with their wine friends while not intimidating those less familiar with the world of wine. My friends dealt with this situation very nicely.

Because some beer drinkers can be as enthusiastic and adventuresome about their beer as wine drinkers are about their wine, there was a mini-keg from a local microbrewery (containing Asheville Brewing Co’s Shiva Pale Ale, if I remember correctly), along with a mix of other locally brewed beer. For the nondrinkers, there were assorted soft drinks, tea, and plenty of water. Rather than try to formally present wines in any sequence, the hosts simply chose to open an ever-changing selection of reds,whites, and sparkling wines. This encouraged wine fans to sample the selections and kept them coming back as new offerings were set out. The emphasis was kept on fun, reasonably priced wines.

For whites, there was a chardonnay from the Macon region of Burgundy, France. These wines tend to be lighter and dryer than their California counterparts with a touch of minerality and less oakiness. There was also a very crisp sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley of France that offered a nice refreshing hint of grapefruit.

Several different sparklers made appearances, including Cava from Spain which is similar to dryer Champagnes and sparkling wines of California and always nicely priced. Prosecco from Italy, with lighter effervescence and a bit more peachy fruit flavor, was a real pleaser. There was also a sparkling wine from Alsace, which gave rise to a discussion as to which grape might be the main player —riesling, perhaps, or pinot blanc?

The reds were equally interesting. Blends from the Rhone Valley were on hand in force with their slightly peppery spice and herbal profiles. Oregon pinot noir was a good choice, considering the heat of the day and the pork loin on the menu. Australian shiraz gave a juicy, rich new world presence.

There was no real structure to what appeared on the wine table or when. No presentation, no rinsing glasses, no pretense. Just a desire on the part of the hosts to share their enthusiasm, and a willingness on the part of the guests to join in the fun.

When you get down to it, that’s what some of life’s memorable moments are all about—joining friends, sharing enthusiasm, having fun, and being thankful for the opportunity to be together. I hope you have the occasion to gather with your own friends this summer. Enjoy!

Asheville resident Rob Campbell has more than 25 years in the wine business, as retailer, distributor, restaurateur, and enthusiastic consumer. He welcomes comments or questions and can be reached at wino4now@aol.com.