Wine at Weddings: How Much, and Which Types?
While some people, especially non-wine drinkers, may not give a second thought to the type of drinks served at a wedding, there are others who feel that the choice of wine is just as important as the food choices. These wine aficionados believe that the wrong wine can ruin a wedding dinner. The fact is that the majority of great weddings are remembered for their beverages and great food. But with a plethora of red and white wine choices, what types of wine to serve at weddings becomes an important question. How much wine to serve at a wedding is another excellent question. You also need to remember that all your guests may have different tastes, and, therefore, you need to select wine(s) that will be universally appealing to the masses.
TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION
Be open: Do not select a wine for the wedding strictly based on what you like. Think about your guests. What types of wine to serve at weddings? While you may prefer red wines, some guests may prefer white wines, so make sure your selection includes both types of wines.
Consider the time of the day and season: If the wedding is during fall or winter, then you may want to consider a warm red wine. If the wedding is at an outside venue during the spring or summer, nothing beats a light white wine.
Don’t forget the food: You want to select wines that will pair well with the wedding dinner. In such cases, you will need to select your food first before making the wine selection. You may want to discuss the wine selection with your caterer and determine what options are available. The general rule is that whites go with white meat (most seafood and poultry) and reds go with red meat, but there can be many exceptions.
Cost: It is important to consider the cost of the wine. Will the provider charge you per bottle, the corkage fee, and will they refund any money if there are wine bottles left over at the end of the wedding? The answer to the question, “How much wine to serve at a wedding?” can definitely impact your budget.
Tasting session: Because of the wide range of wines available, it is highly recommended that you have a tasting session at home, maybe with family and guests. This way, you will have a much better idea of what types of wine to serve at weddings.
Keep it simple: One key rule when it comes to wine selection for a wedding is to keep things simple. Do not try to please every guest and avoid selecting exotic wines which may appeal to only a few people. Go with the common, well-known wines that have stood the test of time.
WHICH WINES SHOULD YOU SELECT FOR A WEDDING?
Pinot Noir
This is an all-time wedding favorite. This delicate, light red wine is refreshing and smooth and pairs well with foods that contain meat. But because it is light, it will also pair well with most foods, including desserts.
Sauvignon Blanc
Another wedding favorite wine is Sauvignon Blanc. This dry, mildly sweet white wine pairs well with chicken, cheese, seafood, veggies, and pasta. Sauvignon Blanc is a simple wine that is also very affordable and liked by most people.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a full-bodied red wine with exceptional fruit flavors and high tannins. This assertive wine is best paired with meats like steak, lamb, prime rib, rib roast, and so on.
Pinot Gris
This wine is a sister wine of Pinot Grigio and works great for summer weddings, especially when it is hot. The wine is best served chilled and will help cool down your guests. Pinot Gris is a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Sparkling wine
Finally, you most likely want to include some bubbly or sparkling wine for a champagne toast. Today, there are many varieties of affordable sparkling wines, and, universally, they pair well with light foods like cheese, French fries, appetizers, nuts, and all types of desserts, including tarts, pies, and cheesecakes.
How much wine to serve at a wedding? Try to choose several types. Other wedding wines which can also serve you well include Chardonnay, Syrah, rose wines, a variety of Rieslings, and many more.
CONCLUSION
What types of wine to serve at weddings? While most aspects of wedding planning can be complex, it does not have to be the case with the selection of wines. The reason is that prior to the wedding, there will be ample opportunities to sample different wines and foods, and most people will agree that this is a fun and enjoyable part of the planning process. Looking to try some great wines for your wedding? Check out what we have to offer!