06/23/08 How Much Wine To Buy?

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. With the wedding season upon us, a question that inevitably comes up is how much wine to buy for a big party. When contemplating buying wine for a gathering or special event. The kind of party you're having is going to determine a great deal about your choices and quantities. First, when wine is served, I would recommend that you provide food. Second, have alternative choices of beverages for the designated drivers and those who would like to switch to something when they're finished with wine. If your gathering is casual and your guests will be milling around and serving themselves - the focus is on visiting and it really isn't important to serve expensive wines. Serve at least one white wine that isn't too dry, maybe a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer, another white that is dry my favorite is a nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier. For reds - a smooth approachable wine, perhaps a Merlot. When it comes to quantity, remember that there are about four to five glasses of wine in a bottle. Figure about a half bottle per person. You know best if your friends drink mostly red or white. Adjust you proportions accordingly. It never hurts to have an extra bottle or two. If you are serving a sit down dinner with numerous courses, then you might want to serve smaller quantities of several different wines. That way you aren't drinking too much but you can taste a broader selection of wines. Above all have fun, and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.