The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are just around the corner and I have the most creative Olympic Viewing Party Ideas and Wine Pairing Guide for you!
During my childhood I created great memories of watching the Olympics with my siblings. Now, I am excited to create new memories during this upcoming event by sharing Olympic Viewing Party Ideas with delicious wine and food.
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics on July 26th, 2024, in Paris will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history. As a result, I have prepared special wine pairings for the ceremony and the sports events, ranging from light, refreshing, and fruity pairings that complement the graceful artistry to medium-bold reds with a chill that pair with the powerful punches of a boxing match. Explore the wine-pairing options to find the perfect complement for your favorite sports and, just like me, be the host with the most.
With its elegance and celebration, French sparkling wine is a perfect choice for the Olympic ceremony. Its effervescence, crispness, and flavorful profile make it a delightful choice for toasting and celebrating special occasions and is at the top of the Olympic Viewing Party Ideas. The association of French sparkling wine with sophistication and class adds a touch of joy to the ceremony, making it a perfect choice for a lively and festive event like the Olympic ceremonies. Cheers to the athletes and the spirit of international unity!
Enjoy the Olympics Ceremony with the invigorating freshness of a Côté Mas Crémant featuring a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Mauzac from France’s Languedoc region. Its zingy bubbles pair perfectly with the sharp precision of archery and shooting events, mirroring the athletes’ focus and the excitement of the competition, giving you a refreshing start to the events.
Pairing ideas: I love Crémant de Limoux Brut on its own, which is an excellent sip for a celebratory toast or paired with a Gruyere festive cheese board.
Other French sparkling wines are Champagne and Cremant de Bourgogne.
Archery, artistic swimming, and gymnastics require high focus, precision, and control. Athletes in these sports must possess excellent coordination, balance, and strength. Additionally, they all demand mental discipline and the ability to perform under pressure. While each sport is distinct, they all emphasize technique, gracefulness, and the pursuit of perfection.
This Bordeaux White is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc and has refreshing and balanced notes that echo the energy and elegance required for the graceful sports of diving, artistic swimming, and gymnastics. Aromatic and vibrant notes of limestone, citrus, and green apple aromas leap off the palate.
Pairing ideas: Greysac Bordeaux Blanc refreshes your palate when pairing it with sushi and sashimi, enhancing the delicate flavors of the seafood and providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dishes.
The Médoc. This wine was crafted in the Médoc. The Médoc is a well-known wine-producing region in the Bordeaux area of France. It is located north of St. Estephe and is home to many renowned wineries.
If you are into archery, you might appreciate a white wine blend crafted with the precision and skill required.
M Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche Blanc is from France due to its light and refreshing characteristics (Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette et Bourboulenc) offers floral notes with a subtle touch of anise that complements the outdoor environment where archery is typically practiced.
Pairing ideas: Seafood lovers rejoice! Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche Blanc is the best white blend for grilled sardines.
St-Joseph Les Granilites Blanc originates from an extraordinary place in the Rhone Valley. It’s the perfect choice to set you apart as a stellar host. If you have a passion for any sport that involves synchrony, you’ll appreciate how St-Joseph Les Granilites Blanc excels in infusing winemaking with the finest artistry.
This is a 100% Marsanne white that has consistency, power, and aromatic complexity due to its winemaking approach. Wine is aged for eight months. During the first two months, the leaves are stirred to control and limit the oxidation of the wine. 75% of aging takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s freshness and minerality. The remaining 25% is matured in demi-muids (600l barrels).
Pairing ideas: M. Chapoutier St-Joseph Les Granilites Blanc 2020 is an iconic wine that deserves an iconic pairing. Creamy Fettucine with Clams brings two cultures together that complement synchronically the best of two culinary worlds.
Golf, tennis, and water polo may seem very different, but they share expected precision and strategic gameplay elements. In golf, players must carefully calculate their shots and navigate the course, while in water polo, players need to strategize their moves to outmaneuver the opposing team. These sports demand focus, control, and mental agility from the athletes. Whether it’s sinking a putt or making a crucial pass in the water, both golf and water polo rely on skill, concentration, and composure under pressure to achieve success.
Trimbach’s Gewurztraminer from the Alsace region captures the essence of a Grand Slam tennis match or golfing event. Its fruit-driven notes provide a refreshing break between points or holes, and its aromatic intensity keeps the palate engaged while watching strategic gameplay—notes of roses, lychee, and citrus fruit lead to a fresh finish.
Pairing ideas: Gewurztraminer florals and fresh notes contrast the Asian fare, such as spring rolls, vegetable fried rice, or rice noodles.
Strategy demands grace, and this Vouvray embodies it with its gracefully floral aroma and striking, clear yellow color.
This wine boasts a seductive nose, delightful fruit aromas of pear and pineapple, and delicate floral notes. Its velvety smoothness on the palate and the finish make it an irresistible choice. Sourced from small plots on the hillsides and plateau that overlook the Loire, also called the Royal River, this wine is a good choice for complementary pairings.
Pairing ideas: Vouvray fruity flavors complement a green salad with grilled peach or nutty cheese.
If you enjoy the exhilarating Olympic beach sports like volleyball, with their vibrant atmosphere and high spectator involvement, then you are likely to appreciate the elegance and charm of a glass of Rosé.
Tourmaline is a precious gem compounded by many elements, and as such, this wine blend comprises different Provencal grapes. (50% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 10% Rolle, 7% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Tibouren). It has a beautiful pale, shiny pink color and offers a seductive and delicate taste of ripe red berries and white flowers. The burst of fruit on the palate gives it a refreshing and delightful finish.
Pairing ideas: Côtes de Provence “Tourmaline” is delicious on its own or with Mediterranean sauces such as Tzatziki or Hummus and seasonal vegetables.
The Saget La Perrière family has created an exceptional Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley. This wine’s long history and finish were built to endure—much like the athletes competing in triathlons or cycling and swimming marathons. This chillable summer red has notes of morello cherries, red berries, spices, and a hint of vanilla.
Pairing ideas: The wine’s complex flavors and relatively low tannin content make it perfect to pair with Camembert.
The competitive spirit and the emphasis on collaboration also unite these sports, making them thrilling and demanding to participate in or watch.
Rugby, hockey, and judo require physical strength, agility, and quick decision-making. In rugby and hockey, players must possess excellent endurance, speed, and the ability to tackle opponents effectively. In judo, athletes rely on balance, timing, and technique to execute throws and grappling moves while anticipating their opponent’s actions. Additionally, all three sports demand mental toughness and resilience as players must withstand physical challenges and maintain focus throughout the game or match.
Château Magnol is a full-bodied red wine with soft tannins, black fruit, and a spicy aftertaste. This 2019 vintage is reaching a good aging process this 2024 and will undoubtedly make a perfect selection to pair with competitive sports. Enjoy it with a bit of a chill at approximately 61–65°F (16–18°C) temperature for the best experience.
Pairing ideas: Château Magnol pairs well with grilled or roasted red meats and fine cheeses. It is an excellent match for grilled or roasted red meats, especially lamb. I suggest grilling a baby lamb chop and savoring it alongside this wine. If you’re more inclined towards cheese, Château Magnol complements ripe cheeses perfectly. Add some black cherry jam and walnut bread to create a wonderfully flavorful and savory pairing.
What is a Cru Burgeois? Cru Burgeois is a designation guaranteed to Chateaus not incliuded in the 1855 Classification. According to Decanter, the Cru Bourgeois label was reintroduced in 2010 with a new revision. It is a mark of quality awarded annually to wines rather than châteaux based on an assessment of both production methods and the finished product. Any property in the Médoc region may apply for this label. The lists of selected wines are published approximately two years after the vintage. An example of the longevity and stability in wine quality is Chateau Magnol in the Haut Medoc appellation, which has held the Cru Bourgeois designation every year since 1987.
Boxing, wrestling, and weightlifting are all physically demanding activities that require strength, skill, and discipline. They are also individual sports where athletes compete against each other, striving to demonstrate their abilities and emerge victorious. These sports are legendary and, as such, require a legendary wine to watch!
The Rothschild family created Les Lègendes, a part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite line of wines, to allow all wine enthusiasts to experience Bordeaux and savor the distinct characteristics of each appellation. This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend originates from the Médoc appellation, located along the left bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux.
This robust option delivers a refined impact, making it suitable for sporting events such as boxing, wrestling, and weightlifting. It reflects its boldness and strength, featuring a core of dark fruit complemented by understated, oaky nuances.
Pairing ideas: Skip the meat and pair this with aged cheddar or gouda. For a melty cheese experience, a burger quesadilla can also be an excellent accompaniment to bring out the nuanced flavors in the wine.
PIN ME! Olympic Viewing Party Ideas
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