(Courtesy of Wine Down) When Shari Alter of Englewood, the co-owner of a party and event planning company in Israel, realized that all of her events in Israel are now on hold because of the current pandemic, she quickly decided to use her creative talents and start a new business right here in Bergen County. She created WineDown.

“Put your wine palate to the test at a socially distanced wine tasting event in your own backyard for up to 10 guests,” Alter said.

This is more than just a wine tasting event. It’s a game where you have to guess the price, vintage, varietal and country of origin of the wines. The wines, tasting glasses, wine scorecards, wine menu, snacks and more are provided. The winner even goes home with a prize.

“People are looking for fun activities right now where they don’t need to leave home, but they can still stay safe and have fun outdoors with an intimate group of friends,” Alter said.

What began one evening as a fun wine tasting game in her own backyard with her neighbors, quickly turned into a great concept. By using her experience planning gorgeous events during the last 12 years in Israel for her American clientele, Shari has created a magnificent wine event and will bring along a wine expert to help educate the guests about the wines they are drinking. As a wine lover, hosting a wine tasting party is one of the more creative ways to share your passion with friends, try new wines and to of course challenge your palate.

Alter has already been asked to host the WineDown wine tasting game in the Hamptons and on the Jersey Shore, but she hopes to host more events in Bergen County. She was already contacted about doing the wine tasting game in someone’s Sukkah. If the clients want a more elaborate event to include a catered meal, floral and décor or wine and food pairing, that can also be arranged at an extra cost.

WineDown can be reached via email at [email protected] or at 973.715.8132.