Cocktail Parties
• ½ bottle of wine/person for each 2-hour period. If your event begins before 5pm, or you are also
serving liquor or beer: ½ bottle of wine/person per 3-hour period.
• If guests will serve themselves, add 10% to your estimate.

 

Dinner Events
• Plan on 1.5 glasses per course per person.
• Each 750ml bottle will provide five 5-oz. servings.
• For each course multiply
[# of guests] x [1.5] / 5 = # of bottles you will need per course.

Cocktail Parties
• Less than 3 hours: 1.5 glasses per person.
• Over 3 hours: 2 glasses per person.
• Self-Service for guests.
• Offer a red, white and sparkling (if appropriate) for guests.

 

Dinner Events
For larger gatherings, rent glassware from a local party rentals shop. Arrange each place setting
with separate red and white wine glasses, plus a water glass. For fine wine tastings, there is
varietal-specific glassware available that will enhance each wine's specific character. Riedel is
an excellent choice.

Cocktail Parties
• Events before 5pm (or for outdoor events in warm weather): 70% white wine, 30% red wine.
• Events after 5pm:
40% white wine, 60% red wine.

 

White Wine Choices
• In general, Chardonnay is extremely popular, and also very versatile. Sparkling wines are also a
terrific, food-friendly option.
• On a warm day, you may also choose to serve a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. If you are serving
spicy foods, Riesling is a perfect pairing.
• Fruity desserts and sweet appetizers pair wonderfully with white dessert wines such as icewines or
Auslese/Beerenauslese Riesling.

 

Red Wine Choices
• Pinot Noir is very versatile and an excellent red wine choice for warmer weather.
• Merlot is a popular crowd pleaser because of its chocolate flavors and soft finish.
• Zinfandel offers jammy fruit flavors that pair well with grilled foods.
• Full-bodied wines like Meritage Red, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are recommended for pairing
with beef, lamb, and other hearty main courses. Choose a port or port-style wine for after-dinner with
strong cheeses or dark chocolate desserts.