How to Select Wine for Your Wedding Reception

These tried-and-tested tips will help you find a wine to complement your event

By Allison Boyer

Photo by Jaime Windon

Most wedding receptions feature at least one type of wine, usually something bubbly for toasting. Some receptions offer red and white wine dinner options, and others have a full wine bar. Even if you have no experience pairing wine with food or choosing champagne, you can select wine that your guests will enjoy.

• What You Need to Know
• Be as informed as you can before selecting wine for your wedding reception.
• Price is no indication of a wine's quality.
• Taste several options before choosing a wine.

Step 1:

You'll use more toasting wine than other types of wine, so if you're on a budget, this is where you should choose a less expensive option. Determine if you want a sparkling wine for toasting.

Step 2:

Champagne is traditional, but you can use other kinds of bubbly. Remember that only wines made in France's Champagne region can legally be called by that name, but sparkling wine is made in many areas of the world including Spain and Italy, which make Cava and Prosecco respectively.

Step 3:

To find something that can be enjoyed by most guests, select a popular wine that isn't too sweet or too dry such as a Chardonnay or a Merlot. Given the variety of wines available, a better idea is to base your wine selection on your menu: choose wine that pairs with your food.

Step 4:

White wines are usually paired with white meat. Sauvignon blanc is generally good with white or light fish, mild cheese or fruit. Chardonnay pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, salmon,shellfish or anything that has a heavy cream sauce.

Step 5:

Red wines with stronger flavors such as Syrahs, Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels are great with heavier meats or tangier sauces. Syrah, for example, pairs well with red meats or turkey. Pinot Noirs are excellent with salmon. Zinfandel on the other hand is great with grilled meats, especially red meat.

Step 6:

In addition to the common varities of wine such as Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon there are many varietals and blends. If you're buying wine in bulk you must test it first to make sure it's the kind you want. Region, climate and vineyards affect the taste and price.

Step 7:

Consider the season you're getting married in. If you're getting married in the summer, guests may prefer a rose or chilled, sweeter white wine.

• Tips & Warnings
• Choose at least one grape-flavored wine alternative or sparkling cider. That way nondrinkers and children can toast at your wedding or have a glass with dinner.
• Consider ordering wine directly from wineries, where you'll often find better quality and prices than liquor stores or retail outlets.
• Those serving the wine should know when to cut people off. You don't want guests to be too drunk to walk or to get sick at your wedding reception.
• Keep plenty of water on the tables to help guests avoid drinking too much wine.