For many years, well-known fashion and entertainment celebrities have been hosting elegant ‘white parties’ every summer from the Hamptons to Los Angeles. Featuring all-white clothing and décor, these iconic events are a celebration of all things warm weather-related and summer-worthy—including white wines!

Ready to host your own summer white party? Here are a few tips from our Biltmore Wine experts to help you get started.

1. Find your perfect spot

To get started, we recommend choosing your location first, as that really sets the tone for the party. Gardens and patios with easy access to the indoors make for a great party, and hosting your event poolside makes a big splash! For outdoor parties, make sure you have a backup plan for weather, plenty of shade, and other conveniences for your guests.

Once you have your location, create the classic summer white party style with all-white table linens and decor.

2. Select your white wines

It’s not a summer white party without white wines and Biltmore wines include wonderful options from still to sparkling. Offer flights of whites for your guests to taste and enjoy. 

The following Biltmore wine flights are listed in our recommended tasting order from lighter styles to those with more body:

• Dry white flight: Biltmore Estate Pinot Grigio, Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc, Biltmore Estate Chardonnay, and Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay.
• Sweet white flight: Biltmore Estate Limited Release Gewürztraminer, Biltmore Estate Limited Release Orange Muscat, Century Sweet White, Biltmore Estate Limited Release Chenin Blanc.
• Sparkling white flight: Biltmore Estate Brut, Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs, Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir.

Tip: Keep the party kid-friendly with plenty of Biltmore Sparkling Grape Juice!

3. Serve something special

Impress your guests with this twist on a classic Italian panna cotta. With its characteristic rich flavor, creamy texture, and bright color, it’s perfect for an indulgent summer white party treat! Here’s a recipe from our Biltmore Estate chefs.

Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée Recipe

Gelée Ingredients

• ¾ cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin powder

Panna Cotta Ingredients

• 3 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup sugar
• 7 teaspoons (3½ packets) unflavored gelatin powder
• 14 ounces goat cheese, softened

Preparation Instructions

1. Create gelée in a small saucepan by combining the grapefruit juice, sugar, and gelatin powder. Whisk well and bring to a boil. Pour 1 ounce of the juice mixture into each of 6 (4-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins in the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.
2. Create panna cotta by combining heavy cream, sugar, and gelatin powder in a medium saucepan. Whisk well and bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Add the softened goat cheese to the mixture and continue to whisk until completely smooth.
3. Divide the goat cheese panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins. Pour it over the firmly set grapefruit gelée and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.
4. To serve: Run a knife between the panna cotta and the ramekin to release and invert onto a plate. If the panna cotta won’t come out, turn it upside down and run hot tap water over the bottom of the ramekin for 30–60 seconds, then gently tap onto a plate

Tip: For a truly elegant ending to your pairing, our crisp Biltmore Estate® Brut—featuring fine, tiny bubbles along with notes of citrus, strawberry, and honey—is the perfect complement to the panna cotta.

4. Get ready for your summer white party

Once you’ve chosen your location, selected the Biltmore wines you’ll serve, and created the perfect menu, what’s left? Don your favorite all-white outfit and invite friends and family to join you for a wonderful summer celebration!

Cheers!