A Deadly Vintage
Wine Tasting Murder Mystery
Setting the Scene
Join us for a night at one of the most exclusive valley events at The Annual Vintage Release Party!
This year Chardonnay Crest Winery will host the event as a fundraiser, with the
proceeds benefitting Cabernet Cellars, whose vineyards were recently destroyed by fire.
As the winery owners and vintners of the valley clamor to show off their one-of-a-kind vintages to each other before releasing them to the public, Charlotte Chardonnay hopes the exclusive event will pay tribute to her late father, Charles, who always put community before profit.
While sniffing, swirling and sampling the visceral vintages, a scandalous act of murder will occur, leaving the party-goers in search of an uncorked killer!
Will the murderer be a vivacious vintner who was ill prepared to deal with defeat? The vineyard owner seeking revenge for their sour grapes. Or possibly the bubbly champagne producer whose outgoing personality is covering for something?
It will be up to you to decant this crime before the culprit can claim another vineyard victim in this wine murder mystery.
Where to Start
- Purchase this Mystery
- Download the Printable/Digital Kit
- Print Your Kit and Start the Fun!
What’s in Our Printable / Digital Kit
- Character Sheets
Juicy secrets, wild motives, and unique roles for every guest. - Host Guide
Easy, step-by-step instructions to run the show like a pro. - Game Materials
Clues, evidence, and everything to solve the case. - Invites & Decor
Printables to build hype and set the scene. - Awards
Certificates for Best Costume, Super Sleuth & more!
How to Play this Mystery
This quick video gives you the rundown on how Night of Mystery parties work. For the nitty-gritty details, be sure to download the intro file that matches your specific mystery — it’s got everything you need to host like a pro.
Guest Breakdown
For 20-80 guests: at least 3 males, 3 females, 9-13 gender-neutral.
For 15-20 guests: 3 males, 3-4 females, 9-13 gender-neutral.
For 10-15 guests: 2 males, 3 females, 5-10 gender-neutral.
For 8-12 guests: 2 males, 3 females, 3-7 gender-neutral.
For 6-8 guests: 1 male, 1 females, 3-5 gender-neutral.
** The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
** Due to the references of alcohol (wine), there is no clean version of this wine murder mystery.
Guest Breakdown
For 20-80 guests: at least 6 females, 9-13 gender-neutral.
For 15-20 guests: 6-7 females, 9-13 gender-neutral.
For 10-15 guests: 5 females, 5-10 gender-neutral.
For 8-12 guests: 5 females, 3-7 gender-neutral.
For 6-8 guests: 2 females, 3-5 gender-neutral.
** This mystery can also be used for parties with more men than women, with the men assuming the gender-neutral roles.
** The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
** Due to the references of alcohol (wine), there is no clean version of this wine murder mystery.
Guest Breakdown
For 20-80 guests: at least 20 guests – there are no gender references.
For 15-20 guests: at least 15 guests – there are no gender references.
For 10-15 guests: at least 10 guests – there are no gender references.
For 8-12 guests: at least 8 guests – there are no gender references.
For 6-8 guests: at least 6 guests – there are no gender references.
** The upgrade is only able to upgrade the 15-20 guest version to the 20-80 guest version. The upgrade DOES NOT work with any other size of party.
** Due to the references of alcohol (wine), there is no clean version of this wine murder mystery.
Catherine Chardonnay
Chardonnay Crest Owner
Is Catherine lost without her husband or stealthily building the biggest winery in the valley? Catherine’s intentions are as unclear as her 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.
Pierre Pinot
Noir Estates Winery Owner
This mysterious Frenchman has been in the valley tending to his lands instead of reaping the more profitable fruits from his international estate. Is Pierre looking for love or something more?
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.
Rosie Rosé
Tasting Room Employee
Bob Bubbly has talked of her forever, but with Bob’s heart promised to someone else, Rosie will have to resort to an alternate plan.
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.
Sam Syrah
Syrah Shadows Owner
Joe Merlot
Merlot Hills Owner
Shannon Chablis
Chardonnay Crest Vintner
Patrice Picker
Vineyard Worker
Charity Connors
Community Worker
Shelby Champagne
Chateau Champagne Owner
Bob Bubbly
Chateau Champagne Heir
Marley Malbec
Cabernet Cellars Vintner
Peter Picker
College Student
Rickie Rich
Valley Banker
Del Zinfandel
Chardonnay Family Lawyer + Winery Owner
Charlotte Chardonnay
Chardonnay Crest Heir
Nikola Noir
Land Manager
Miss Peach
Fruit Buyer
First-time host/hostesses need not be wary. Night of Mystery parties have everything you need to throw a successful party and are designed to be easy-to-run.
If you want to play along, you can! As host, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is!
Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the MURDER!
Excellent Question! And one that needs more explaining, please see the “How to Play” Page of our site and/or download a preview file to get a complete understanding of how our mysteries are run!
Yes. We have invitations you can download at any time to send out to your guests. (We recommend you do this before purchasing if you are unclear of your guest count.)
Once you order, you will have access to your party pdf as well as email invitations with character descriptions included for your guests. See a sample emailable invite with character description here.
YES! As host, you get to decide how much or little you know about the murder.
If you want to play along, you will want to read the host’s guide in full to ensure that you are setting the game up correctly WITHOUT letting you know who the murderer is in this murder mystery party game!
This will depend on (a) the version of party you order and (b) what you/they want to do at the party.
Some murder mystery party game rules say (generally the smaller 6-8 guest and 8-12 guest versions) have the victim rise and become the investigator after their “death.”
Since the victim does not know who murdered them, they can still play along and try to guess the murderer using their previous background knowledge and their money in order to bribe and blackmail others and derive their secrets from one another.
If you have a larger version, and you have not assigned the investigator (they are generally listed as the first person to eliminate for this reason), then the victim will need to become the investigator.
If you have assigned the investigator, but have an extra role that is not already filled, the victim can become this person (if you order the 20-80 player version, this will always be an option).
If the victim wishes to do nothing, they can do that as well. Some guests really enjoy playing along “dead” and trying to figure out who killed them.
“I purchased the Night Of Mystery packet for a work team building event. All of my co-workers said it was the best team event they’ve been to. The packet was very straightforward and had so many ideas and tips to help make running the event super simple. Highly recommend!”
“I hosted my first party and I was scared that if anyone could fail such a flawless package it would be myself. But this kit makes it so so easy and fun. Lots of room to make it your own and not cookie cutter, but always super straight forward! I can’t wait to host another onell! Thanks Night of Mystery!”
“I’ve had three parties over the years. This year we will be doing it again! Normal parties have their groups. High school over there, church over there, family over there. Well with the murder mystery dinner there is none of that. Plus your free to not be you for the night. Every party has been a success! Last one we had over 100 people come.”
“This was the BEST team event we’ve ever done. It was inclusive, creative, and so easy to execute with your kit. Everyone had a blast!”
Are You Up for the Challenge? Get this Mystery Now!
