It’s officially weddings season! For the brides, grooms, parents and other loved ones who are happily planning for their version of “wedding of the year,” it can be a daunting task. Finding the perfect venue, gorgeous flowers and a mouthwatering menu that will have your guests talking for month is hard enough, but then you have to choose the wine! And, that can be very difficult.

But, don’t worry, we’re here to help. The good news is that having good wines doesn’t mean having to spend a small fortune. We have some great suggestions and even greater prices on the perfect wines to serve for your big day.

When choosing wines for weddings, or any large gathering for that matter, look for wines that are reasonably priced (under $20) and that offer wide appeal. Avoid wines with extremes in flavor profiles—too oaky, too much acidity, too sweet, weddings aren’t the time for those types of wines—instead look for wines that a wide range of people will enjoy, from wine novices to wine snobs.

If your wedding is being held at a venue, they usually provide the wine, but will often allow you to select the wines being served. If you are holding the wedding in an outside or private location, you may be responsible not only for choosing the wines, but also determining how much wine is needed. The general rule is that each person will consume approximately four 5-ounce glasses. 

Of course, before you commit—to the wines that is—you really need to sample. Read reviews, pick a few that sound like they might be good and then buy a bottle of each. Sample them with your significant other and choose a few to be a part of your celebration, always keeping in mind your event’s menu. You’ll definitely want a mix of whites and reds and at least one sparkling wine to provide your guests with lots of tempting choices. 

Here are a few of our recommendations for some true-blue wines that are destined to be a memorable part of your big day.

    

Secco Italian Bubbles by Charles Smith Rosé 
Why We Like It: Highly drinkable and delightfully pink—this sparkling wine will have guests coming back for more than just the toast! Rich strawberry and Italian cherry with subtle biscotti and a hint of red vines and Necco Wafers! 

California Wine Project Cabernet Sauvignon
Why We Like It: Complex, lush, mouth-coating—all the hallmarks of the beautiful Cabernets from the top Napa Valley winery where it's made exclusively (and anonymously) for us.

           

Joel Gott Unoaked Chardonnay
Why We Like It: A great “unoaked” Chardonnay perfect for those who are sensitive to the traditional oaked versions. Aged in stainless steel, very smooth and summer friendly.

        

Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Estate Charlotte's Home
Why We Like It: We think Sauvignon Blanc is the absolute perfect warm-weather white because it’s so incredibly light. But, unlike some other Sauvignon Blancs out there, this one has some backbone to it, some real flavor. Your guests will love it and so will you!

Visit your neighborhood Wine Country or Wine & Whiskey Country store and let one of our Wine Pros help you say “I do” to the perfect wines for your wedding or other upcoming event. Cheers!