food for a wine tasting...ideas?

I run a wine tasting club called SWILL in Western NY and it's my friend's turn to host in a few weeks. Forty-five tasters are coming, and I've chosen three Cabernet Sauvignons and two Gruner Veltlingers. Here's the catch....she usually finds herself slaving in the kitchen during parties, but this time she'd like to serve foods that she can make ahead so she can enjoy the tasting too. Any suggestions? Thanks! (my first posting..)

Hi Anne and welcome to the kitchen. Regardless of the wines, we always put out baguettes and bland cheese. Others may differ.

Hi Anne, and welcome to the forum. Carl is on the right track with his cheese and bread thinking. I am assuming (one should never ass/u/me) that you are tasting the wine first then some munchies after with the left over wine. I would simply do some easy to do snacks and I might even get a lot of them at the deli. It should not be work intensive for one person, and if it is, the work should be spread around between the hostess and maybe 3-4 of the regulars bringing something.

Welcome to the WDLG neighbor! Other ideas could be small meat balls in sauce, wings from your favorite place (Hey- Western NY - don't get hot, get mild, BBQ or cajun), hummis with pita bread, smoked salmon, etc.

[Jenise]

Anne--more information needed. Are the foods you provide intended to be a complete meal or just snacks during wine service?