From making new friends to sipping on delicious wine, living in a retirement community has its perks — especially with the popular “wine & dine” groups. For retirees looking for social events that bring together amazing people, here's all you need to know about how these fun nights work.

What Is a Wine & Dine Group?

Wine and food bring friends and neighbors together to create an alluring atmosphere of conviviality. Connecting with people over the delightful flavors of wine, savory cuisine, or a night out at local wineries is such a treat. Nothing beats a great glass of wine, delicious food, and wonderful company, so join your neighbors in one (or several) of their awesome wine & dine groups. Or if you don't find the right fit for yourself, start up your own gathering. It's never too late to make pals when it comes to having fun over drinks with good eats. Let's raise our glasses to friendship. Cheers!

How to Start a Wine & Dine Group

Are you the quiet type, or looking to make a little noise in your neighborhood? Let's break bread and uncork those bottles. Getting together for an occasional wine & dine night is the perfect way to meet new people who live nearby. Make it exactly how YOU want it — monthly, weekly, biweekly. Be creative with your neighbors. Keep in touch with front office staff too; this could be just what they're looking for as well. Start planning today by brainstorming with friends on tasty dishes that'll have everyone drooling at first sight. Remember: good food brings great company.

Step 1: Have an Interesting Mix of Guests

Gathering with your diverse neighbors in an active adult community can be so much fun. With Del Webb, you can make friends from all over the country and have an exciting mix of personalities attending parties. You never know who you'll find yourself sitting beside; it might just be a retired navy general or a kindergarten teacher. Even if everyone doesn’t share an obvious common interest, chances are they will share experiences such as traveling or sailing, making wonderful life-long connections while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Step 2: Pick a Popular Theme

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as you embark on a culinary adventure with your closest friends. Wine and dine in style as you explore a range of delicious themes, from casual backyard BBQs to fancy five-course meals. You're sure to get in on some friendly food competition as you challenge your gourmet chef friends to come up with the most mouth-watering dishes. So get creative and let your imagination run wild, because the possibilities are endless. Whether you opt for a beachy seafood extravaganza or a cozy winter wonderland feast, the results will be nothing short of amazing. Bon appétit!

Regional Cuisine

If you’ve got a bounty of local wineries nearby, make it the star of your next gathering. Toast to some truly delicious vintages and pair them with farm-fresh fare. To get things rolling, try out light bites like canapes or an assortment of cheeses that go together perfectly — then move on to mains. You’ll have everyone in high spirits in no time.

Proud to Be . . .

No matter your cultural background, surprise and delight your friends with delicious family recipes. From savory Italian lasagna paired perfectly with a full-bodied red wine to flavorful Greek eggplant dip and succulent leg of lamb enjoyed alongside refreshing white wines, dinner at a friend's house can open up not only opportunities for great conversations but also new traditions from around the world.

Elegant Black & White

Get ready to entertain in style. Del Webb homes are designed with the perfect space for throwing a chic soirée. From black and white décor that's sure to impress to delicious menu ideas like caprese kabobs and devil’s food cake, you'll be set up for entertaining success. So grab your best outfit and let the party begin.

Downhome BBQ

When warm days arrive, it's time to fire up the grill. For a fun barbecue with friends and family, try something special like watermelon feta skewers or grilled salmon kabobs. Complement your meal with some bold red wine and cold beer. And don't forget dessert — individual strawberry shortcakes will delight everyone’s taste buds for the perfect ending to an enjoyable evening outside.

Wine & dine groups are a fun way to get social and meet new people. That kind of atmosphere is unbeatable, and with an amenity-rich retirement community like those found at Del Webb, you’ll inevitably make friends and learn new hobbies. Explore Del Webb and discover the retirement community for you today.

For more retirement lifestyle articles and the scoop on local hotspots, browse the Del Webb blog to get inspired.

Contributed to the Del Webb blog by Carol Youmans