University Games | Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine & Murder – Host Your Own Night of Intrigue

Step into a Vintage Wine Country Whodunit

Immerse your guests in an elevated dinner party in a box with the Taste for Wine & Murder Mystery Party from University Games. Designed for 6–8 adults, this experience blends dining, drama, and deduction into a single, memorable evening. Set against a backdrop of a California wine-tasting festival, the plot invites players to play as suspects, uncover clues, and enjoy a thoughtfully staged mystery that feels both cinematic and intimate.

Every component is crafted to spark conversation and elevate the ambiance. Characters come with full backstories and motives, inviting guests to slip into distinctive personas—Otto Von Schnapps, Tiny Bubbles, Papa Vito, Marilyn Merlot, and more—and contribute to a lively, interactive narrative. The game emphasizes role-play and storytelling, so guests have room to improvise while staying true to the mystery’s framework. Even first-timers can dive in with confidence, thanks to clear clues and guided pacing that helps maintain excitement without pressure.

The box goes beyond the story to help you host with ease. It includes practical dinner planning elements like a shopping list, menus, and recipes by cookbook author Sandra Gluck, plus eight character booklets, eight invitations and envelopes, eight nametags, and eight crime-scene clues. A party-planning booklet guides the host through setup and flow, while an audio CD (and optional online access) offers an introduction, event summary, and the key clues and solution when you’re ready to reveal the culprit. This is not a single-scene puzzle; it’s an immersive, multi-act evening designed for social interaction, laughter, and shared storytelling.

What you get in the box

• Eight character booklets with roles and background details
• Eight party invitations and envelopes
• Eight nametags for easy character assignment
• Secret crime-scene clues to drive discussion
• Party planning booklet for a smooth host experience
• Menus and recipes by Sandra Gluck to complement the dinner
• Shopping list to help you prepare in advance
• Audio/Video access with an introduction, event recap, clues, and solution

For eight players and adults 18+, the experience is designed to be approachable for beginners while still offering depth for seasoned party hosts. With a few thoughtful touches—dressing up, themed table settings, and a well-timed reveal—the night can feel polished and immersive without demanding extensive prep.

How the evening unfolds

• Invite guests to embrace their characters and arrive in themed attire to set the mood
• Kick off with an introduction and a series of clues that unfold through the evening
• Engage in dinner or light snacks as suspects exchange alibis and motives
• Discuss clues, weigh testimonies, and trace connections between suspects
• Use the CD or online clues to guide the flow toward a satisfying solution

Whether you’re hosting a birthday, a friends’ night in, or a themed social gathering, this mystery party offers a platform for creativity, conversation, and a touch of suspense. It’s a ready-made, endlessly reusable concept that can be adapted to your hosting style and guest preferences. While results vary, the setup supports an entertaining, immersive experience that can become a cherished annual tradition.