Murder mystery dinner party for 4–6 · 4–6 players · about 90 minutes
Corked
Bordeaux, 1976. Henri Valcourt has just told his dinner guests he is selling the family château to an American, and that after dessert he will open the legendary 1961 for her. He goes down to the cellar to fetch it and never comes back up. A dinner-party mystery for four to six players, played across three courses.
- ✓ 6 characters, 4–6 players, change the count on the night
- ✓ Each guest gets a private link: character, secret, objectives, clues
- ✓ Host dashboard runs the rounds; a TV screen shows the evidence
- ✓ Nothing to print. A print view with clue cards is there if you want paper
- ✓ Three rounds of 20 to 25 minutes, one per course, then the vote and the reveal. Host it as many times as you like
The victim
Henri Valcourt, the château's owner. Found at 10:50 pm at the foot of the cellar stairs with his neck broken, beside a smashed bottle of Château Valcourt 1961. The cellar door was locked.
The suspects
The first 4 are the core cast. Add the rest as your guest list grows, and swap any optional character for another to fit your group. 3 she/her · 3 he/him. Anyone can play any character.
Core · she/her
Margaux Valcourt
The daughter and winemaker
Has made every vintage at Valcourt for twelve years. Found out about the sale at dinner, like everyone else.
Costume: A silk blouse, a cardigan over the shoulders, a corkscrew on a ribbon.
Core · he/him
Lucien Rousseau
The wine critic
The most feared palate in Paris. Has dined at Valcourt every harvest for fifteen years.
Costume: A cravat, reading glasses on a chain, a notebook.
Core · she/her
Dolores "Dee" Hartley
The American buyer
Owns a winery in Napa. Was due to sign for Château Valcourt at ten tomorrow morning.
Costume: A trouser suit, big sunglasses on your head, a Stetson if you dare.
Core · he/him
Antoine Roux
The cellar master
Thirty-four years in the Valcourt cellars. Knows every bottle by name.
Costume: A leather apron, rolled sleeves, a tastevin on a cord.
Optional · she/her
Céline Valcourt
The young wife
Married Henri two years ago. Inherits half of everything.
Costume: A slip dress, a long cigarette holder, too much jewellery.
Optional · he/him
Gaston Ferrand
The neighbour
Owns Château Ferrand next door. The two families have not spoken in fifty years, until tonight.
Costume: A flat cap, a waxed jacket, mud on your shoes.