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Wedding Wines 101: How To Choose Wine For Your Big Day
Published: June 10, 2025
When it comes to planning your wedding, picking the right wines can feel like one of those tricky details—somehow both important and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing wedding wines that taste great, work with your menu, and won’t blow your budget. From bright and zesty whites to soft, crowd-pleasing reds, we’ll cover the best options for every season and wedding style—plus a few tips on how much to buy and where to find great bottles.
By the end, you’ll feel confident about putting together a wine list that fits your day perfectly and has everyone raising a glass in your honor. Let’s dive in!
The Tradition and Joy of Wedding Wines
Wine has long been a part of wedding celebrations, weaving together history, culture, and a sense of togetherness. There’s something timeless about raising a glass of wine in honor of love and commitment—it’s a ritual that dates back centuries and continues to bring people closer today.
Choosing wine for your wedding isn’t just about the drink itself; it’s about the shared experience. Wine encourages conversation, celebration, and connection around the table, helping guests feel more relaxed and engaged. Whether it’s the sparkle of Champagne during the toast or a smooth red served with dinner, wine sets the mood and creates moments that everyone remembers.
Plus, wine’s versatility means it fits just about any wedding style—from casual backyard gatherings to elegant ballroom affairs. It offers an easy way to add a personal, meaningful touch, whether you’re selecting bottles from a family vineyard or discovering new favorites together.
At its heart, wine at weddings is about joy—a way to celebrate your story with the people you love most, one glass at a time.
Crowd-Pleasing Wine Picks for Your Wedding
No matter the size of your guest list, choosing wines that everyone can enjoy is one of the best ways to make your celebration feel warm and welcoming. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular picks—easy to find, easy to love, and sure to keep the toasts going all night long!
White Wine Recommendations
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, with bright citrus notes that pair well with everything from seafood to salads. Its zesty acidity and hints of green herbs make it an easy match for fresh, summery menus. Look for bottles from New Zealand or California for the most vibrant style.
Chardonnay: Richer and more full-bodied, this classic white is great with chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or even roasted vegetables. It can be buttery and oaky or lean and citrusy depending on the region, so there’s a style for every palate. A California or Burgundy Chardonnay is always a safe bet for a wedding crowd.
Chenin Blanc: A slightly off-the-beaten-path choice that offers great value and a lovely balance of fruit and acidity. Its notes of apple, pear, and honey make it feel special without being too fussy. South African Chenin Blancs are especially versatile and budget-friendly.
Riesling: Light, aromatic, and a little bit sweet—perfect for spicy dishes or for guests who prefer something softer. It’s a great way to offer a refreshing counterpoint to rich or spicy wedding fare. German and Washington State Rieslings tend to be particularly bright and balanced.
Viognier: Floral and peachy, Viognier adds a touch of exotic charm to your wine lineup and pairs nicely with richer seafood dishes. It’s a fuller-bodied white with a soft texture that works beautifully in early spring or summer weddings. Look for Viogniers from California or the Rhône Valley for crowd-pleasing options.
Red Wine Recommendations
Pinot Noir: A softer, lighter red that pairs beautifully with chicken, pork, and even salmon. Its silky texture and bright cherry and raspberry notes make it a versatile, food-friendly choice. Pinot Noir also tends to be lower in tannins, so it’s gentle on the palate for all your guests.
Merlot: Smooth and easy-drinking, Merlot is a crowd-pleaser that works with a variety of dishes, from roast beef to mushroom risotto. It has a plush, velvety mouthfeel and flavors of plum and mocha that make it feel rich without being too heavy. It’s a great way to please both red and white wine drinkers.
Zinfandel: Juicy and bold, Zinfandel adds a bit of spice and richness to your red wine lineup, making it a great match for BBQ or grilled meats. Its dark berry and peppery notes give it a bit of a rustic charm that’s perfect for outdoor or casual weddings. California Zinfandel, in particular, is known for its bold but balanced style.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich, bold, and a natural partner for heartier dishes like steak or lamb. It brings deep blackberry and cassis flavors along with structured tannins that stand up to big flavors. Napa Valley Cabs are especially popular for weddings where you want to make a classic, luxurious statement.
Rosé & Sparkling Selections
- Sparkling Rosé: For a little extra flair, sparkling rosé offers the best of both worlds: refreshing bubbles and a touch of berry flavor. It’s festive and pairs well with everything from salty snacks to wedding cake. Look for brut or extra dry styles for a crisp, balanced finish.
- Champagne: Of course, no wedding wine list is complete without some classic bubbly. Champagne brings timeless elegance to your toast. It also pairs beautifully with hors d’oeuvres, fried foods, and the joyous energy of your big day.
How Much Wine Should You Serve at Your Wedding?
One of the questions couples ask most often is: How much wine do we really need for the wedding? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some helpful guidelines to make sure you have enough to keep the party going—without ending up with a mountain of leftovers.
A good starting point is to plan for about half a bottle of wine per guest for your reception. For example, if you’re hosting a reception with 100 guests, you’ll need roughly 50 bottles of wine. Of course, this depends on your guests and how many are actually wine drinkers—some might prefer cocktails, beer, or non-alcoholic options.
It’s also smart to balance the mix of red, white, and sparkling based on the season, your menu, and your crowd. Generally, more whites and sparkling in warm weather, more reds in cooler months.
How Many Bottles Are Needed for a Champagne Toast?
If you’re planning a classic champagne toast, the good news is you don’t need a full glass for every guest. A typical toast pour is about 3–4 ounces per person, which means you can get about 6–8 toast pours from a standard 750ml bottle of sparkling wine.
For 100 guests, that translates to roughly 13–17 bottles of bubbly for the toast alone. If you’re offering a sparkling option for the whole evening—like serving it as your main wine—bump that number up to a half-bottle per guest as part of the overall wine count.
Food Pairing with Wedding Wines
Pairing wine with your wedding meal doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s really about finding flavors that complement each other and making sure everyone’s glass is filled with something they enjoy. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
General Pairing Recommendations
- Red wines like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are classic choices for red meat dishes like steak, lamb, or beef tenderloin.
- White wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay work beautifully with chicken, turkey, and fish.
- Rosé wines offer a nice middle ground—they’re fresh enough for seafood but still have some weight for heartier plates.
Sparkling with Appetizers & Toasts
- Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava aren’t just for the toast. They’re also great with lighter bites, salty snacks, and even fried foods—think crispy crab cakes or mini quiches.
- Don’t feel like you have to save bubbles for dessert. They can pair with many dishes and add a festive note to the whole meal.
Tips for Multi-Course Pairing
If you’re planning a multi-course dinner, think about offering a few different wines throughout the meal.
- Start light: Begin with a crisp white or sparkling for appetizers and lighter first courses.
- Go richer: Move to a more full-bodied white or red for the main course.
- Stay versatile: If you’re serving a buffet or family-style dinner, pick wines that can go with a variety of dishes—Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are always safe bets.
5 Expert Tips for Choosing Wine for Your Wedding
Picking the perfect wine for your wedding can feel overwhelming, but these expert tips will help you navigate your options with confidence—so you end up with wines that fit your style, your menu, and your budget.
- Know Your Guest List: Think about your crowd—are they wine lovers, cocktail fans, or somewhere in between? Planning for about half a bottle of wine per guest for every two hours is a good rule of thumb, but adjusting based on preferences makes all the difference.
- Match Wine to Your Menu: Pairing wine with your food enhances the whole dining experience. Reds work well with heartier dishes like beef or lamb, while whites shine alongside chicken, fish, or vegetarian plates. Don’t forget sparkling wines for appetizers and toasts!
- Offer a Variety: Having at least one white, one red, and a sparkling option covers most tastes and keeps guests happy. If you want to add a rosé or a sweeter wine, that’s even better.
- Consider the Season: Lighter whites and rosés are refreshing for spring and summer weddings. In cooler months, fuller-bodied reds and richer whites like Chardonnay feel more comforting.
- Don’t Forget the Budget: Great wines don’t have to break the bank. Look for quality options in lesser-known regions or grape varieties that offer excellent value.
Ready to Find the Perfect Wines for Your Wedding?
Choosing the right wines can make your wedding day even more memorable—and we’re here to help make that easy. At yourwinestore.com, you’ll find a wide variety of carefully selected wines perfect for every style, season, and budget. From crisp whites and elegant reds to sparkling wines for your toast, we’ve got you covered.
Shopping with us means you can explore top-quality options from the comfort of your home and have your wedding wines delivered right to your door—no stress, no hassle. Whether you’re looking for something classic or want to try something new and exciting, our collection has something for every couple and every guest list.
Start browsing today and let us help you raise a glass to your happily ever after!