Planning your Event

Congratulations on your upcoming celebration!

Choosing the right amount of wine can be tricky. You don’t want to run out, but you also don’t want to overestimate and end up with cases of leftover wine. This guide will help you estimate the right amount of red, white, and champagne for your celebration, and offer some delicious pairing suggestions!

Factors to Consider:

• Guest count: The more guests you have, the more wine you’ll need.
• Time of day: Evening events tend to have higher alcohol consumption than daytime events.
• Duration of the Event: Longer events will require more wine.
• Meal type: A heavier meal might pair better with red wine, while a lighter meal might call for more white.
• Demographics: Consider the age and drinking habits of your guests.
• Open bar or limited bar: If you’re offering a full open bar, guests might opt for other drinks besides wine.

General Guidelines:

• Wine:
  • A good rule of thumb is to allocate half a bottle of wine per guest.
  • For a more generous estimate, consider two-thirds of a bottle per guest.
  • This assumes a mix of red and white wine.
• Champagne:
  • Plan for one glass of champagne per guest for the toast.
  • If you’re serving champagne for the cocktail hour as well, increase this amount.

Red vs. White Wine:

• A common starting point is a 50/50 split between red and white wine.
• If your wedding is during a warmer month or you’re serving lighter fare, you might want to consider a 60/40 split in favor of white wine.
• Conversely, if your wedding is in a cooler month or you’re serving a heartier meal, a 60/40 split favoring red wine might be more appropriate.

Example:

Let’s say you’re expecting 100 guests at your evening event planned for four hours.

• Wine: 100 guests x 0.5 bottles/guest = 50 bottles of wine
  • 25 bottles of red wine (e.g., 11 Pinot Noir, 14 Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 25 bottles of white wine (e.g., 15 Sauvignon Blanc, 10 Chardonnay)
• Champagne: 100 guests x 1 glass/guest = 100 glasses of champagne
  • Since a standard bottle of champagne yields about 6 glasses, you’ll need approximately 17 bottles.

Tips:

• Don’t forget non-alcoholic options: Offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for guests who don’t drink alcohol.
• Consider your venue: Some venues have restrictions on outside alcohol or may charge a corkage fee.
• Ask your caterer or event planner: They often have experience with estimating alcohol needs and can provide valuable guidance.
• Have a backup plan: It’s always better to have a little extra wine on hand, just in case.

Popular Wine & Food Pairings:

To help you choose the perfect wines, here are some popular pairings:

Red Wine:

• Pinot Noir: This versatile red pairs well with a variety of dishes, from salmon and chicken to mushroom risotto and lighter red meats.
  • Food Pairing Ideas: Grilled salmon, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, duck confit.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A bolder red with notes of black currant and cedar, Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing for red meat and hearty dishes.
  • Food Pairing Ideas: Beef tenderloin, lamb chops, grilled portobello mushrooms, aged cheddar cheese.
• Merlot: Known for its soft tannins and approachable fruit flavors, Merlot complements a range of dishes, from pasta with red sauce to grilled chicken.
  • Food Pairing Ideas: Pasta with marinara sauce, pizza, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables.

White Wine:

• Sauvignon Blanc: With its crisp acidity and refreshing citrus flavors, Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect match for seafood, salads, and lighter fare.
  • Food Pairing Ideas: Shrimp cocktail, goat cheese salad, grilled fish tacos, ceviche.
• Chardonnay: A versatile white wine that can range from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery, Chardonnay complements a wide range of dishes.
  • Food Pairing Ideas: Roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, lobster, buttery seafood.
• Pinot Grigio: Light and refreshing with notes of pear and citrus, Pinot Grigio is an excellent choice for appetizers, salads, and lighter main courses.
  • Food Pairing Ideas: Fruit and cheese platters, salads with vinaigrette, grilled fish, pasta primavera.

Now that you know how much and what type, it’s time to make it yours!

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CELEBRATIONS & SERVICES

Crafting

Your guests will be amazed with the wine you crafted. Create a spectacular Sauvignon Blanc or an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon. Choose from other varieties that are sure to please everyone.

Personalize

Blend exceptional flavors with your customized labels to craft a truly unique experience that will stand out and remembered for a lifetime.