A Deadly Vintage
Facts of the case
A night swirling, sipping, and sniffing out scandals! Available in Mixed, All-Female and Non-Binary versions.
Guest Info
More on who is coming to the wine murder mystery game and how you are all related…
Expected at the Party…
Catherine/Claire Chardonnay – Chardonnay Crest Owner. Is Catherine/Claire lost without their late spouse or stealthily building the biggest winery in the valley? Their intentions are as unclear as their proclamations.
Casey Cabernet – Cabernet Cellars Owner. After suffering a damaging blow to their vineyards, Casey has made it clear they will do whatever they need to in order to succeed – even if it means going on the offensive.
Shelby Champagne – Chateau Champagne Owner. Elated by the impending merger, Shelby has definite plans to grow their family fortune, if all goes as planned.
Joe Merlot – Merlot Hills Vineyards Owner. With their specialty wine trending downwards, Joe knows they can turn their business around if given the chance.
Del Zinfandel – Chardonnay Family Lawyer. As a budding wine-traprenuer themselves, it is unclear if Del is here to tend to their family’s legal matters or show off their own vintage.
Pierre/Perrie Pinot – Pinot Estates Winery Owner. This mysterious Parisian has been in the valley tending to their lands instead of reaping the more profitable fruits from their international estate. Are they here looking for love or something more?
Sam Syrah – Syrah Shadows Owner. A sibling to Catherine/Claire Chardonnay, no one is sure if Sam’s visit is to check up on their family or promote their own vintage. Or possibly both?
Charlotte/Carter Chardonnay – Chardonnay Crest Heir. Wanting to eventually take over the family lands, Charlotte/Carter has been doing everything in their power to honor their late father, and it is unclear how far they will go.
Shannon Chablis – Chardonnay Crest Vintner. Always playing second fiddle to other vintners, Shannon proved their prowess when they took home the Vintner of the Valley award this year. An act that left Reese Riesling writhing.
Bob/Brandy/Bailey Bubbly – Chateau Champagne Heir. When they are faced with chasing their dreams or their family obligations, it is hard to say which one they will choose.
Reese Riesling – Golden Grape Vintner. A product of the valley, Reese’s ongoing friendship with Charlotte is tested after Reese was left empty-handed at the Vintner’s Challenge this year.
Marley Malbec – Cabernet Cellars Vintner. Responsible for the best up-and-coming wines, Marley’s career has been temporarily put on hold due to the vineyard fire. But how long can Marley’s career wait?
Nikola Noir – Pinot Estates Land Manager. Trusted to run the California vineyard for the large Pinot Estates, Nikola is not sure whether their integrity is being questioned or justified.
Patrice Picker– Chardonnay Crest Vineyard Worker. Charles Chardonnay’s go-to worker for years in the fields, it could be argued that Patrice lost the most when Catherine/Claire Chardonnay became their boss.
Peter/Peyton Picker – College Student. After growing up on Chardonnay Crest lands, Peter/Peyton is seeking out their own future. A future that may have others paying for their past.
Pauli Peach – Chardonnay Crest Fruit Buyer. As one of the newer employees at the bustling winery, it is not apparent if Pauli Peach is out to promote the winery or sabotage it.
Rosie/Rylee Rosé – Tasting Room Employee. Investing in a start-up could cost Rylee their future – unless they can prevent it.
Charity/Cooper Connors – Community Worker. Never one to step down from a challenge, Charity must balance their ambition with their drive to do what’s right for the community.
Rickie Rich – Banker. This financier has their nose in everyone’s business; financial and otherwise…
Professor Grape – Master Sommelier. A lover of all things wine, the professor has fine-tuned their nose to sniff out the sour grapes. A duty they will take seriously at the party.
Costumes
From vivacious vintners to obstantacious owners (and everything in between!), you can find a lot of the elements to your outfit in your closet and the key to “making it special” could be that over-the-top wig or that extra prop or accessory you add to make it HIL-ARIOUS!
COSTUMES
From vivacious vintners to obstantacious owners (and everything in between!), you can find a lot of the elements to your outfit in your closet and the key to “making it special” could be that over-the-top wig or that extra prop or accessory you add to make it HIL-ARIOUS for this wine murder mystery game!
Owners, vintners and the Valley elite:
- Fancy outfits
- Anything to show wealth –
- gold cane
- expensive jewelry
- mink stolls
- fur coats
- feather boas
- watch piece
- Suit with jacket
- Bow tie
- Top hat
- Money tucked into places, like lapel, hatband, etc.
- Cuff links
- Ball gowns
- A cane
ADD TO ANY OUTFIT
- Boas
- Wigs (think any variety)
- Facial hair
- BLING!
- Gold or silver accesorries of any type
- Fancy headress
- Cigarette extension holders
- Props of any sort!
- LARGE hats
- Fake eyelashes
- Fake breasts
- A fake weapon of some sort – exposed or not
WHERE TO FIND THAT PERFECT DRESS:
- Use (or borrow a friend’s) old bridesmaid’s dress
- Scour the second hand shops and garage sales
- Try the clearance racks in a department store right after a high school dance (like prom or homecoming)
- Dress up any outfit or gown by adding beading, cording, fancy fabrics, fringe, etc. (Stich witchery and hot glue make great non-sew adhesives.)
- Not the right color? Take a can of spray paint to the dress.
Online Costumes
- Suitmeister Men's Solid Yellow Suit
- Price: $59.99
- Men's Opposuits Juicy Jungle Suit Costume
- Price: $99.99
- Suitmeister Christmas Blue Nordic Men's Suit
- Price: $59.99
- Opposuits Tropical Treasure Suit for Men
- Price: $99.99
- Men's Harry Potter Hufflepuff Deluxe Vest
- Price: $29.99
- THE JOKER Slim Fit Suit Overcoat (Authentic)
- Price: $79.99
- Opposuits Harry Potter Suit Costume for Men
- Price: $119.99
- Men's Suitmeister Solid Red Suit
- Price: $59.99
- The Riddler Slim Fit Suit Pants (Authentic)
- Price: $29.99
- Opposuits Fancy Fish Suit for Men
- Price: $109.99
- Men's OppoSuits Green St. Patrick's Day Costume Suit
- Price: $99.99
- Men's OppoSuits Testival Suit
- Price: $99.99
- Men's OppoSuits Zombiac Suit Costume
- Price: $99.99
- The Riddler Slim Fit Suit Jacket (Authentic)
- Price: $69.99
- Men's Coming to America Randy Watson Costume
- Price: $49.99
- 20s Gangster Suit for Adults
- Price: $69.99
- Men's Suave 80s Gangster Costume
- Price: $44.99
- Men's Blinding Gangster Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Striped Gangster Shirt
- Price: $19.99
- Mens Plus Size Ruthless Gangster Costume
- Price: $64.99
- Wide Stripe Plus Size Gangster Suit Costume
- Price: $44.99
- Men's Lederhosen Kit
- Price: $19.99
- Men's Lederhosen Accessory Kit
- Price: $19.99
- Men's Traditional German Lederhosen Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Adult Lederhosen Costume
- Price: $39.95
- Men's Alpine Lederhosen Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Men's Octobeerfest T-Shirt
- Price: $19.99
- Unique Vintage Bat Flock Print Babydoll Dress
- Price: $98.00
- Women's Crew Neck Stretchy Fitted Bodycon Club Dress
- Price: $20.99
- Dazzling Women's Silver Flapper Dress Costume
- Price: $49.99
- Red Flapper Fringe Dress Costume
- Price: $34.99
- Solid Color Off Shoulder Wrap Dress Cocktail Dresses
- Price: $38.99
- Women's Plus Size Disco Babe Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Deluxe White Marilyn Monroe Halter Dress Costume
- Price: $29.99
- Flirty Dalmatian Women's Costume Dress
- Price: $39.99
- Women's Red Plus Size Flapper Dress
- Price: $39.99
- Women's Mardi Gras Sequin Dress
- Price: $19.99
- Puff Sleeve Glitter Bodycon Mini Party Dress Black
- Price: $30.99
- Casual Long Sleeve Slim Ruched Tunic T-Shirt Dress
- Price: $19.99
- Short Sleeve Cinched Black Bodycon Dress
- Price: $23.99
- Womens Sexy Long Sleeve V Neck Bodycon Glitter Dress
- Price: $19.99
- Scoop Neck Cut Out Bodycon Dress White
- Price: $16.99
- Tie Knot Plain Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress Gray
- Price: $19.99
- Women Scoop Neck Midi Casual Bodycon Tank Dress Gray
- Price: $15.99
- Plain Short Sleeve Tie Knot T-Shirt Dress Ruby
- Price: $19.99
- Short Sleeve Tie Knot Plain T-Shirt Dress Black
- Price: $19.99
- Womens Slimming Plain Sleeveless Tank Dress White
- Price: $15.99
- Ribbed Knit Scoop Neck Bodycon Maxi Dress White
- Price: $27.99
- Sexy Long Sleeve Plunge V Neck Midi Dress
- Price: $34.99
- Cute Christmas Dresses Xmas Print Dress
- Price: $20.99
- Smocked Ruffled Tie Waist Spaghetti Strap Mini Dress
- Price: $34.59
- Marilyn Monroe Costume Dress
- Price: $24.99
- Women's Salty Salt Shaker Dress Costume
- Price: $24.99
- Women's Lederhosen Honey Costume
- Price: $59.99
- Women's Lederhosen Beer Babe Costume
- Price: $54.99
- Edelweiss Lederhosen Adult Costume
- Price: $79.99
- Lederhosen Costume for Women
- Price: $54.99
Decoration Ideas
How to create the perfect winery ambience for your Deadly Vintage soiree!
Inside the Party Space
- Have a table to memorialize Charles Chardonnay (if desired). Include pictures of the late winery owner.
• Think wine, wine, wine and more wine to decorate! Consider wine barrels (or just barrels), crates, wine glasses, corks, plastic grapes, vines, etc.
• Use wine bottles to decorate – and then more wine bottles. Spray paint them gold, fill them with flowers, lights, whatever you want!
Setting Your Table
- Elegance is key!
- Use linen table cloths.
- Tea lights.
- Fancy table runner.
- Candleabra.
- Spray paint random things gold to add a flare for the elite. Use as table decorations.
- Use chargers with your place settings.
- Gold plates and plasticware.
- Have a printed menu (included with the mystery) at their setting.
- Place cards are included with the mystery packet, as well as instructions on where to get your own personalized corks to hold the place cards!
Lighting – Setting the Mood
TO CREATE AN ERIE LIGHTING, CONSIDER USING NON-TRADITIONAL LIGHTING.
SOME EXAMPLES ARE:
- Wine bottles with lights in them.
- Tea lights — To add a shimmering effect, place them on mirrored circles (found at your local craft shop) or simply cover cardboard with aluminum foil and place the tea lights on top of them.
- Place
- White twinkly lights
- White paper lanterns
- Candles
- Chandeliers
- Candleabras
Utilizing The Extras
BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY —- Name cards for your guests
- Personalized menus
- Recipe and directions to make some killer chiller glasses
- Designed labels to put on wine bottles for awards
- and MORE! Close Tab
Create a Photo Spot!
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
• You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Consider extra captain’s hats, feather boas, tiaras, lifesavers, large sunglasses, anchors, etc.
• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to the frame.
• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. Ie, if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.
• For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
BACKDROP IDEAS for your A Deadly Vintage photo spot
• Create a line-up board and take pictures of all of your suspects. Line-up board included with mystery materials.
• Use scene setters to make a simple background.
• Use props to enhance the photos. Have things like top hats, boas, big sunglasses, etc. for your guests to pose with.
• Paint your own back drop to pose in front of!
Food & Music
Look here for lovely ideas on what to serve for your Murder of a Millionaire fare.
What to Serve:
What goes better with wine than Charcuterie?
And these days, you can serve it any way you choose! Check out the latest Charcuterie trends and How-tos for serving up cheese and meat however you choose!
– How to make a simple Charcuterie Board
–
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Or A Fancy Feast
Since this is a formal affair, you can serve up some tasty treats to meet the occasion.
Try some of these links for: – Elegant Appetizers – Gourmet Main Dishes – Divine Desserts
Spooky Treats to Eat
SINCE MURDER IS THE THEME OF YOUR PARTY, TRY SOME OF THESE HORROR-IFIC FARE TO SHARE WITH YOUR GUESTS.
All the fixin’s for a terrifying feast. Including Awful Arachnids, Eerie Eyeballs, Freaky Witches’ Fingers, Brittle Merangue Bones, Savory Brain Shrimp Spread, Deviled Eggs, Decayed Corpse Chips with Entrail Salsa, Spicy Bat Wings and more… Click here.
MYSTERY MAKINGS FOR DESSERT
• A murderous cake (simply insert a butcher knife into any cake and drape red food gel along it)
A killer Cake ( Or Cupcakes )
Killer Cakes and Deserts
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MYSTERY MAKINGS FOR DESSERT
• A murderous cake (simply insert a butcher knife into any cake and drape red food gel along it)
A killer Cake ( Or Cupcakes )
Setting the table
Some ideas for if you choose to have a sit-down meal
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• Elegance is key!
• Use linen table cloths.
• Tea lights.
• Fancy table runner.
• Candelabra.
• Spray paint random things gold to add a flare for the elite. Use as table decorations.
• Use chargers with your place settings.
• Gold plates and plasticware.
• Have a printed menu (included with the mystery) at their setting.
Empty heading
Utilizing The Extras
BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY–
• Name cards for your guests
• Personalized menus
• Recipe and directions to make some killer chiller glasses
• Designed labels to put on wine bottles for awards
• and MORE!
Killer Cakes and Deserts
MYSTERY MAKINGS FOR DESSERT
• A murderous cake (simply insert a butcher knife into any cake and drape red food gel along it)
A killer Cake ( Or Cupcakes )
Setting the table
• Elegance is key!
• Use linen table cloths.
• Tea lights.
• Fancy table runner.
• Candelabra.
• Spray paint random things gold to add a flare for the elite. Use as table decorations.
• Use chargers with your place settings.
• Gold plates and plasticware.
• Have a printed menu (included with the mystery) at their setting.
Empty heading
Utilizing The Extras
BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY–
• Name cards for your guests
• Personalized menus
• Recipe and directions to make some killer chiller glasses
• Designed labels to put on wine bottles for awards
• and MORE!
MUSIC
Click on the image to get to our Spotify Playlist for this party!
CLASSICAL MUSIC– To add a touch of elegance to this high society get-together, you may want to try some of the classics. Find it here.
FREE MUSIC– If you are looking to keep costs low, you can always visit your local library to find the perfect musical score for your party
Host Information
Look here for more ideas on how to accentuate THIS theme and put your party over the top!!!
Here are some fun ways to go above and beyond with your wine-themed A Deadly Vintage murder mystery party!
Send Invitations in Wine Bottles.
• Directions and instructions included with the mystery. Or, you can download them off our invites page.
Have a tombstone to honor the late Charles Chardonnay.
• Make another tombstone with a “?” and your party date on it (for the one who will perish at the party)!
• Directions on making tombstones included in mystery materials.
Personalized Corks –
Download this design, then find a vendor on Etsy to make them for you. We used this one!
Wine Bottle Awards
In addition to the printed awards included with the mystery purchase are these labels you can print out and adhere to wine bottles to then give as AWARDS!
Wine Favors for your guests
Another way for your guests to take home a little something to remember the night! Designs for these tags are included with the mystery. You can even add in your own date to personalize it!
Create a Photo Spot!
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
• You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Consider extra captain’s hats, feather boas, tiaras, lifesavers, large sunglasses, anchors, etc.
• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to the frame.
• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. Ie, if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.
• For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
BACKDROP IDEAS for your Murder of a Millionaire photo spot
• Create a line-up board and take pictures of all of your suspects. Line-up board included with mystery materials.
• Use scene setters to make a simple background.
• Use props to enhance the photos. Have things like top hats, boas, big sunglasses, etc. for your guests to pose with.
• Paint your own back drop to pose in front of!
BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY–
• How to make tombstones • Signs for Mystery Manor • Line-up board for mugshots • Copies of the Family Tree • Name cards for your guests • Personalized menus • Recipe and directions to make some killer chiller glasses • Designed labels to put on wine bottles for awards • and MORE!




Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! Once submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Tips
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor, to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! One submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Check out some of our past winners here! Night of Mystery POM Blogs
Thanks again for hosting with Night of Mystery and we can’t wait to hear all about your party!!!