When the day comes to a close, there’s nothing more refreshing than a good glass of wine and time with the ones you love. In France, this is known as apéro, the French take on a happy hour.
Both an art form and a social staple, apéro is more than just sipping wine; it’s about unwinding with friends as daylight fades. Think cozy gatherings, casual conversation, and laughter—the French way to say “the workday is done.” It starts in homes, at cafes, or in parks, where time pauses for enjoyment.
In true French fashion, the occasion is not a rush—aperitifs are savored slowly, as they’re not just drinks but preludes to dinner. Whispers of garlic and butter in light appetizers hint at delicious morsels soon to come.
And although this might seem like a chic affair reserved for the boulevards of Paris, it’s meant to be simple, and often is spontaneous. Anyone can host their own version by embracing simplicity with style—and perhaps a bottle from Villa Pereire Wines.
Ready to add that je ne sais quoi to your evening? Read on to learn how to host an apéro from the comfort of your own home.
Curating a Menu With French Flair
Wondering what culinary delights will perfectly complement the wine? Crafting a menu that brings out the best in both food and drink is key.
Finding Your Flavor Foundation
To start off strong, consider appetizers as the opening act for your taste buds. Classic French options like savory gougères or tapenade crostini set a high bar.
A well –curated charcuterie platter can be more than just nibbles; it’s an icebreaker and conversation piece all in one. Include accompaniments like fig jam or honeycomb—they’re not only delicious but also help transition between different flavors and textures.
If you’re aiming to impress, why not try an assortment of solo fromage ? Brie’s creamy texture melts seamlessly with Villa Pereire’s Bordeaux Blanc while a bold Roquefort pairs delightfully with bolder aperitifs.
A few more classic pairings to consider include:
- Dry vermouth —a classic aperitif—with salted almonds . The herbaceous notes in the vermouth dance beautifully alongside the nutty crunch.
- Sip on an ice-cold Kir Royale while nibbling on dark chocolate squares—the berry flavors from crème de cassis and bubbles from Champagne make for a playful yet sophisticated combo.
These matches aren’t random—there’s a method to the madness. Match like with like, or, contrast the food and aperitif for an unforgettable symphony of flavors.
The Heartier Side of Petit Plates
If you want to move beyond finger foods, for a more pre-planned apéro, consider tartines —open-faced sandwiches that combine simplicity with sophistication.
- Try sourdough slices topped generously with smoked salmon or ratatouille veggies —a little bite that packs a punch.
- If meat is more your style, duck confit sliders offer rich flavors balanced by pickled shallots for some zing.
- And we mustn’t forget quiche miniatures —bite-sized versions of this classic dish make it easy to mingle without missing out on gourmet goodness.
Sample Menu Items
- Charcuterie: Deli meats, prosciutto, olives, almonds
- Cheeses: A good mix of both hard cheeses (ex: parmigiano reggiano) and soft cheeses (ex: brie)
- Fruits & Veggies: Grapes, cherry tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers
- Baguettes: A staple of any French menu
Essential Aperitifs to Serve at Your Apéro
Think of an apéro as the evening’s opening act. To set the stage, have a lineup of classic French aperitifs that are sure to charm your guests.
Classic French Liquors
No true apéro is complete without its headliners. Lillet Blanc —a wine-based spirit with hints of honey and orange—feels like summer in Bordeaux with every sip.
For something bolder, Pastis conjures up images of lazy afternoons in Provence with its aniseed zing.
If we’re talking showstoppers, though, nothing says ‘French’ quite like Vermouth Rouge served over ice—it pairs beautifully with savory selections. And let’s not forget Dubonnet —the ruby-red delight has graced many royal lips and certainly deserves its spot on your menu.
Sparkling Additions
Lighten the mood with a sparkling addition to the evening, such as champagne or Crémant . If you feel like mixing things up, try a Kir Royale cocktailby adding crème de cassis for a sweetness that will delight.
If you’re working on a budget, Villa Pereire recommends wallet-friendly options like sparkling Vouvray or Blanquette de Limoux .
White Wine
It’s an unspoken rule when hosting an apéro that, generally speaking, red wine goes with dinner, and white wine preludes the meal.
This is one of the most common and casual aperitif options—the lighter, more crisp profile of many white wines is perfect for the light, precursory pairing of a typical apéro.
The easy choice for quality, convenience, and price is Villa Pereire’s , in classic, refreshing style perfect to start your evening off right.
Non-Alcoholic Variations
When hosting, it’s always important to have options on hand for guests who may prefer non-alcoholic choices.
Seedlip offers distilled non-alcoholic spirits bursting with botanicals—a perfect base for mocktails. Or, serve chilled Lavender Lemonade for refreshment with Provençal flair. The simple option of soda water or Perrier soda alsonever disappoints.
Crafting the Perfect Apéro Ambiance
Imagine your living room transforming into a chic Parisian salon, where laughter bubbles over glasses of chilled and the clink of cutlery on small plates plays its own melody. That’s the heart of an apéro ambiance—casual yet elegant .
Soften harsh overhead lights with dimmers or swap them out for candles and fairy lights that give off a warm glow. This isn’t just mood-setting; it’s alchemy that turns everyday spaces into cozy nooks where stories unfold effortlessly.
The music of the evening should whisper, not shout. Think classic French chansons by Edith Piaf or modern tunes from Carla Bruni that linger in the background to set the rhythm for conversation without overpowering it.
Your Table is Your Canvas
Simplicity reigns when setting up your table: fresh flowers in clear vases, mismatched china full of character to serve as talking points, and crisp linens create a tableau vivant worthy of Instagram but made for memory-making.
Mix high with low —a fine bottle of wine beside rustic bread —and let the food become part art installation, part feast—an array designed to delight both eyes and palates alike.
The Little Details Matter
Last, but certainly not least, are those thoughtful, detailed touches —handwritten name cards tucked around stemware or vintage postcards placed under each plate, for example.
These can spark curiosity and connection between guests who may be meeting for the first time, but will leave feeling like lifelong friends.
Cultivate an intimate connection by pairing wine with anecdotes. Did you fall in love with Villa Pereire’s on a trip to the Médoc? Share that tale as you pour. It gives a backstory to every glass, making the experience memorable.
FAQs in Relation to How to Host an Apéro: a Happy Hour With a French Flair
What is French happy hour called?
In France, they dub happy hour “apéro,” short for apéritif. It’s a pre-dinner drink and nibble session.
What is the French tradition of Apéro?
The apéro ritual involves sipping drinks and enjoying small bites before dinner, mingling with friends or family over casual conversation. It can take place at home, in a cafe, or in a park.
What should I bring to a French apéro?
To fit right in at a French apéro, tote along some light snacks like olives, nuts, or cheese.
Bring the Magic of France to Your Home and Host an Apéro
With these simple tips, how to host an apéro, a happy hour with a French flair, should be second nature. Embrace this cultural staple, but make it your own – from rich history to lively conversations:
- Gather your friends or family
- Set that perfect Parisian mood with music and decor
- Serve those classic aperitifs —they’re more than drinks; they’re conversation pieces
- Mix it up! Pair each sip with small bites that sing of France’s culinary genius
- Add your spin and personalize the evening. Remember, true flair comes when you make it yours while tipping your hat to tradition
The next time you get together with friends or family for an apéro, or an apéro-inspired gathering, make it something special with.
