How Much Wine to Buy?

Welcome to vine to wine this is your host Linda Moran. Inevitably when I am talking to people about wine, someone asks how they would go about determining how much wine to buy for a party. So on today’s program we’ll discuss shopping for wine at your next party.

The type of party you have will determine a great deal about what your choices and quantities will be when shopping. First, I would always recommend that you provide food at any party when serving wine. I would also recommend that you have alternative choices of beverages, for the designated driver and those who would like to switch to something else when they’re finished with wine. If your party is casual and your guests will be milling around and serving themselves then I think the focus is on visiting and it really isn’t important to serve expensive wines. I usually serve at least one white wine that isn’t too dry, maybe a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer, another white that is very dry my favorite is a nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a smooth approachable red wine, perhaps a Merlot. When it comes to quantity, there are about four to five glasses of wine in a bottle. You know best if your friends drink mostly red or white. Adjust you proportions accordingly. It never hurts to have an extra bottle of each in case you guess wrong. When I have a dinner party I like to serve numerous courses, in that case I serve smaller quantities of several different wines. That way we aren’t drinking too much but we get to taste a broad selection of wines. If your guests are bringing wine and you are providing the food - make it fun with a theme, like your favorite wine with chips and dips. For me that’s definitely bubbly. You will be surprised at what comes through the door. Above all have fun! And thanks for joining me on today’s Vine to Wine.