A Deadly Vintage
Facts of the case
Guest Info
More on who is coming to the wine murder mystery game and how you are all related…
Wine Glossary for Sipping, Swirling, and Sleuthing!
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just here to swirl, sip, and sleuth, this handy glossary will guide you through both the fine art of wine tasting and the finer art of mystery-solving flair. Here, you’ll find all the wine lingo you need to sound like a pro and a few extra terms to spice up your over-the-top detective work. Throw in some dramatic pauses, raise your glass with a knowing look, and get ready to uncork the mystery!
Click Here for Wine Words Glossary
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 ostentatious 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 stalls
- fur coats
- feather boas
- watch piece
- Suit with jacket
- Bow tie
- Top hat
- Money tucked into places, like lapel, hatband, etc.
- Cufflinks
- Ball gowns
- A cane
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. (Stitch witchery and hot glue make great non-sew adhesives.)
- Not the right color? Take a can of spray paint to the dress.
Decoration Ideas
Creating the Entrance
Creating the Entrance
Vineyard Archway: Create an archway covered in faux grapevines and twinkle lights to mimic the ambiance of a vineyard entrance. Hang a “Chardonnay Crest” sign or a banner above the arch.
Red Carpet Entry: Roll out a red carpet for a touch of elegance. Alongside the carpet, place wine barrels with lanterns or large wine glasses filled with fairy lights.
Grapevine Wreath: Hang a large grapevine wreath on the door or entrance gate. You can decorate it with wine corks, mini wine bottles, or wine-themed ornaments.
Wine Bottle Pathway: Line the pathway leading to the entrance with empty wine bottles and candles. Place small tea lights inside the bottles to create a magical and welcoming glow.
Giant Wine Corks: Make oversized wine corks from foam or cardboard and stack them to create columns on either side of the entrance.
Greet with Grapes: Scatter faux grapes along the pathway or steps leading to the entrance for a playful and thematic touch.
Wine Bottle Luminaries: Cut the bottom off wine bottles and place them over votive candles. Line the entrance with these wine bottle luminaries for a warm and inviting glow.
Rustic Wooden Sign: Display a wooden sign with Chardonnay Crest near the entrance.
Wine Bottle Balloon Columns: Create columns of balloons shaped like wine bottles on either side of the entrance. Add wine glass-shaped balloons for extra flair.
Remember to coordinate the entrance decor with the overall theme and color scheme of your wine-themed party to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere for your guests as they arrive.
Inside Your Party Space
Inside Your 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.
Grapevine Garlands: Drape faux grape vines intertwined with twinkling lights around the room, over doorways, and around table edges.
Themed Centerpieces: Design centerpieces with a combination of wine glasses, bottles, faux vines, and perhaps a ‘blood’ stained wine glass to add to the mystery.
Use wine bottles to decorate – and then more wine bottles. Spray paint them gold, fill them with flowers, lights, whatever you want!
Candlelit Ambiance: Use wine bottles as candle holders for tapered candles. The dripping wax will add to the vintage and mysterious atmosphere.
Signage: Use the wine themed signs to decorate! Included with the mystery.
Setting Your Table
Setting Your Table
- Elegance is key!
- Use linen tablecloths.
- 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.
- 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
Lighting
TO CREATE AN ERIE LIGHTING, CONSIDER USING NON-TRADITIONAL LIGHTING.
Use dim lighting to set the mood:
Candlelit Ambiance: Use wine bottles as candle holders for tapered candles. The dripping wax will add to the vintage and mysterious atmosphere.
Grapevine Garlands: Drape faux grape vines intertwined with twinkling lights around the room, over doorways, and around table edges.
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.
- White twinkly lights
- White paper lanterns
- Chandeliers
- Candelabras
Color Scheme
Color Scheme
For a wine-themed party, you might want to consider a color scheme that reflects the rich and elegant tones associated with wine. Here are a few color palette ideas:
Burgundy and Gold: Capture the essence of red wine with deep burgundy tones complemented by accents of shimmering gold. It exudes richness and sophistication.
Wine Red and Olive Green: Combine the deep red hues of wine with the earthy tones of olive green. This palette brings a sense of rustic charm and natural beauty.
Deep Purple and Copper: Shades of deep purple reminiscent of grapes paired with the warm metallic tones of copper create a luxurious and opulent atmosphere.
Wine Red, Blush Pink, and Cream: Introduce a softer touch by blending wine red with blush pink and cream. This palette offers a more delicate and romantic feel.
Merlot, Champagne, and Charcoal: Use the deep reds of merlot, the light elegance of champagne, and the depth of charcoal for a balanced and sophisticated color scheme.
Consider incorporating these colors into decorations, table settings, invitations, and any other party elements for a cohesive and visually appealing wine-themed ambiance!
Creating Your Photo Spot
Creating Your 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.
- Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with.
- 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.
- For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
- Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. Ie, if you want mugshots, 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).
- 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 props to enhance the photos. Have things like top hats, boas, big sunglasses, etc. for your guests to pose with.
- Paint your own backdrop to pose in front of!
Utilize the Extras
Utilize ALL of the Extras
- Invitation in a bottle
- Place cards
- Wine Stoppers
- Wine Charms
- Signs
- Wine Glass – Killer Chillers
- Personalized Menu
- Suspect Board:
- Wine label awards
- Thank you wine tags!
Food & Drinks
What to Serve
What to Serve
A Fancy Feast
Since this is a Vintage 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
Having your food available by buffet so it allows you the flexibility to plan for appetizers, a full dinner, desserts or any combination of. Additionally, it helps with food serving and allows ample time for your guests to mingle while eating.
Setting Your Table
Setting Your 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.
- 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!
Desserts
Desserts
Since murder is the theme of your party, try some of this horror-ific fare to share with your guest.
All the fixings for a terrifying feast, including Awful Arachnids, Eerie Eyeballs, Freaky Witches’ Fingers, Brittle Meringue Bones, Savory Brain Shrimp Spread, Deviled Eggs, Decayed Corpse Chips with Entrail Salsa, Spicy Bat Wings and more… Click here.
Mystery makings for Dessert
- Fingerprint Cookies
- A murderous cake (simply insert a butcher knife into any cake and drape red food gel along it)
- Knifed red velvet cupcakes
- A bleeding cake
- A Killer Cake
Spotify Playlist
Other Music Ideas
MUSIC
Click on the image to get to our Spotify Playlist for this party!
Create a Lounge for music and dancing. Use the signs (included in the mystery – pictured below) to mark it.
Mob Music: Pay tribute to Bugsy Siegel (who founded the first casino in Vegas) and the others that made the town prosperous with soundtracks from Casino, GoodFellas, The Godfather, and other mob hits.
The Rat Pack: Consisting of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. The Rat Pack often performed in Vegas in the ’60s and were instrumental in the rise of Vegas as an entertainment destination.
Elvis: Performing live in Vegas in the late 60s and early 70s. Elvis made popular his trademarked jumpsuits and capes on the Vegas stages.
Wayne Newton: Possibly the most famous Vegas entertainer of all time!
Make your own mix: Be sure to include such songs as Viva Las Vegas (Elvis), Luck Be a Lady (Frank Sinatra) and The Gambler (Kenny Rogers).
For FREE Music– Visit your local library to borrow copies of any of the music above or your own picks!
Host Information
Look here for more ideas on how to accentuate THIS theme and put your party over the top!!!
Theme Ideas
Theme Ideas
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
- 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!
Creating Your Photo Spot
Creating Your 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.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with.
• 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.
• 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 props to enhance the photos. Have things like top hats, boas, big sunglasses, etc. for your guests to pose with.
• Paint your own backdrop to pose in front of!
Utilizing the Extras
Utilize ALL of the Extras
• 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!
Win a FREE Party!
Win a FREE Party!
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 decorations 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!
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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!!!
