From birthdays and weddings to anniversaries and Christmas parties — there’s really nothing better than sipping on a glass of wine with you while you’re celebrating. Have a special occasion coming up? To give your guests and your special day the perfect glass of wine it deserves, make sure you pick the perfect bottle. Some pair best with certain varieties of food and some just complement the occasion better. Since there are many types of wine, we’ve come up with a list of tips that will help you choose the right wine for your occasion. Keep on reading to learn more!
Weddings
The celebration of newlyweds calls for the bubbly celebratory beverages — Champagne or Prosecco. It is perfect for wedding parties and receptions.
To choose what’s best between the two, analyze the menu. Champagne is drier and more acidic, so it’s best to serve this if your menu consists of grilled meats or raw bar food like oysters, shellfish, and vegetables. On the other hand, Prosecco leans towards the sweeter side. It goes well with Asian dishes, fruity appetizers, and cured meats.
However, if you want red wine to be served at the wedding, wines like Shiraz, Malbec, and Merlot is best. Not only are they easy to find, but they are also their blends are easier to drink and are perfect for red meats.
Birthdays
There are so many wines you can choose to pair for your birthday parties!
Sauvignon Blanc, this white wine with bursting flavors of citrus, is ideal if you’ll be serving a cheese platter at your celebration.
Looking for something versatile? Pinot Noir is the way to go. Whether you’re having a fancy dinner, an outdoor barbecue, or a full-on birthday bash, this soft, medium-bodied red wine pairs well with any dish — fish, chicken, lamb, or steak.
Date Nights
Romance and a bottle of wine is a timeless pair. For that romantic night out with your significant other, choose Merlot. One of the world’s most popular red wines. Soft, sensual, silky-smooth, and juicy — it makes the perfect wine to sip on. Plus, it pairs well with not only meat dishes but also desserts too.
Girls Night
A night out with your favorite ladies? Since you’ll be up all night long, its best to opt for a lighter-bodied wine that’s low in alcohol percentage. This way, you’ll be able to savor the taste of the wine and stay sober for the rest of the night! Apart from this, lighter-bodied wines are versatile. You can pair them with an extensive variety of meat, fruits, and snacks. That said, Moscato will be your best bet! This classic sparkling wine with floral and fruity tones is sweet, fun, and smooth will definitely set the mood.
Rosé wine is also a strong contender. Its taste is not as heavy as red wine. It is light, soft, and pleasant. It is also great for that one friend who doesn’t drink too much or isn’t fond of the taste of wine.
Barbecues and Picnics
Having an afternoon al fresco barbecue with the family? Riesling is the way to go. The spices from the meat pair excellently with the crispness of Riesling. It is also very refreshing to the palate.
For laid-back picnics and Sunday afternoons, get creative and make your very own Sangria at home. It is the best refreshing drink for this kind of occasion. Trust us, your guests would want to indulge in again and again. Here’s a simple recipe of Sangria that you can try. Feel free to add in more fruits and play around with the flavors!
Ingredients
- ½ Apple
- ½ Orange
- 3-4 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
- ¾ Cup Orange Juice
- ⅓ Cup Brandy
- 750 ml of Spanish Red Wine
- 1 Cup Ice
Directions
- Muddle the apples, oranges, and sugar into a large pitcher.
- Pour in orange juice and brandy and muddle again to combine.
- Add red wine and stir
- Add ice and serve
Key Takeaway
An occasion will never be complete without a delectable glass of wine. There are no rules for choosing wine for specific events, however, different wines complement an occasion and certain dishes better. For you to have that perfect glass of wine on your special day, turn to our list of types of wine for every occasion above.
