Choosing Your Reception Wines

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Expert Advice on Wine

Wedding wines are a chic, elegant part of your momentous occasion. Should you be an expert on all things grape, follow your nose when making decisions. However, if you’re Napa-impaired, take a few vino tips from Chef and sommelier (or, wine expert) David Brian Sanders. Your guests will be as impressed with your vintages as they are with your dress.

Sanders thinks that hiring a sommelier is a terrific idea if you’ve got the budget. “Pull out all the stops and have someone make the decisions for you,” he says. But, with a little know-how, it’s also something you can take care of yourself. “A good caterer should be able to assist you as well,” he says.

Vintage style.
Sanders believes in the hard-and-fast “rule” of white wines with fish and chicken, red with meat. If you really want white with meat, he suggests a very dry white or a rosé. He also suggests that, if you’re serving red and white, begin with the latter. “Whites are starter wines, plus they tend to be cheaper than reds.”

If you’re offering Champagne, it can be brought out just for the toast or served throughout the reception. Neither choice is incorrect, but keep in mind that real Champagne is costly. Sanders thinks that serving sparkling wine as opposed to Champagne is a fine way to save money. “No one sees the bottles,” he notes, “and you’ll split the cost by about half.”

Like hiring a sommelier, Sanders is all for getting only the best wines on the market, should it fit your budget. If not, he says you can find terrific middle-of-the-road wines that guests will love.

Another idea many couples opt for is serving only wine and Champagne at the reception. Sanders thinks this is a great idea. “You are under no obligation to have a full bar,” he says. “You can serve red and white wine, along with bottled water, for dinner, and it will be extremely elegant.”

He does point out, however, that whatever you drink, the guests should also drink. “Don’t pull out a special bottle of Champagne for the toast and only offer it to members of the wedding party,” he says. “If you splurge for the best, offer it to everyone.”

Many couples register for wine, or at liquor stores, which can be a nice alternative to Tiffany’s and a great way to build your chic collection. Should a guest bring you a gift of wine or Champagne, however, do not open the bottle at your reception. If you’re dying to try the new bubbly, wait till the guests leave, and pop the cork when you’re alone.