What Type Of Wine Do I Need For My Party?

Here is a query I frequently receive from my wine courses and its easy to answer. Here goes.

I’m having some people over and would like to know how much wine for a partyand what varieties do I serve? That is actually a very popular question. So here’s a rough guide.

Each bottle has about 24 oz or about 5, 5 oz glasses, or 6 four oz or 24, 1 ounce. I’ll stop here, you get the point. If it is like some families I have met, that could mean a bottle or two per person

But in reality for the civilized crowd you’re no doubt referring, I might suggest figuring on 2, 5 oz glasses per head. That’s come down to 1 bottle per 2 people.

Some will drink more, some less. In the event you undervalue a little bit I’d also keep one or two bottles in reserve, if you don’t drink them at your party you can drink it another time. You may also use creative packaging and give any remaining bottles to your guests as party favors or prizes.

Because wine tastes are very different, I might suggest keeping the selections of wine simple. You might have 100 different wines and there would always be someone who would ask for something else.

Here’s the simplest way on what types to serve. Have something familiar like Chardonnay and Merlot for the more traditional folk and then something less customary for the more daring in the group.

The more daring may like fuller body and spicier wines like Shiraz or Zinfandel. Wines that folks have not had or heard about are usually a big hit, too. Try something like a Gewurtztraminer or Viognier. All and all, the best recommendation is to make it simple and serve whatever you are most comfortable offereing. Remember it is a party, not a wine review.

I’d also always presume there will always be guests who are new to wine or don’t care for the more standard wines. Their tastes are often sweeter and lighter. A soft wine like white zinfandel or a flavored wine like strawberry, green apple or raspberry will do the job. This way there’s something for everyone to drink.

If that doesn’t work offer them a Budweiser!

How much wine isn’t such a hard question is it?

Whatever you do will be fine. Remember, it’s just grape juice.

Mark is a professional winemaker, former winery owner, author and frequent speaker on wine. He helps people find out learn about wine through his wine classes and video wine courses.