Wine For A Crowd

My brother got married last weekend, and between the families it was one hell of a weekend. It was a destination wedding in Anderson Island, WA. However the arrival potluck, followed by the rehearsal picnic, the golf tournament, the reception, and the post-reception party got me thinking. What are some guidelines to follow when buying mass quantities of wine for a crowd at a non-wine centric event? In other words, I have to buy a bunch of wine for a party, what do I do?

1. If the focus of the event is far from the wine, or pairings (and weddings really are) then don't over do it. Most people in attendance are not focused on the wine and just want something pleasant to drink.

2. Provide a variety as this is not the time to expose people to new things. I can't stand it when people say things like 'I only drink white wine' or 'I only drink red' but they are here to party so let them have their uninitiated misnomers for one more night.

3. The weather and venue are as important of considerations as the food. Have an outdoor party in 80 degree heat and everyone will reach for the colder, crisper wines.

4. If you want people to mingle, and you want them to drink, make sure there is plenty of stemware. Things get set down, or misplaced while on the dance floor. The wine was supposed to be inexpensive enough that people feel encouraged to just go get a new glass if this happens.

5. If you want to splurge on at least one good wine for your decerning guests, I say make it the sparkling wine. This wine is the center of a specific part of the reception ceremony, and the part of the party in which nearly every guest will partake in a bit of wine. Choose a delicious one.

My new sister did a really good job in following all of these suggestions, and I thought that her wine choices were excellent. If you are really looking for someone to suggest exactly what to offer, here is what we had:

• A dry riesling - This wine represented a local choice from the Pacific Northwest, and the chilled, crisp wine was a popular and approachable option. It also was bound to go with almost any of the banquet food (no beef) that people chose to eat. A safe and smart choice.


• A simple chardonnay - Many guests are going to feel comfortable with a chardonnay. This one had a touch of oak, but some nice fruit and was quite inexpensive to offer the guests as much as they would like.


• A soft fruity red blend - In general while mingling and eating a variety of appetizers, salads, and main dishes, heavy tannins and complex tertiary flavors are not welcome. A simple but delicious table wine will do the trick and keep your red wine drinkers happy.

Well that does it. If the selection is antagonizing or overwhelming to you as the planner it may very well have the same effect on your guests. So relax, go a little bit budget, and make the wine as fun as you hope the party will be.