Best Wines for Dinner Parties

Shipping to CT

Home
wine blog
occasions and events
The Best Wines for Dinner Parties

The first question to consider is simple: how much wine will you need?

As a rule of thumb, plan on between half and one bottle per guest, depending on the crowd. You probably know whether your friends are likely to enjoy a glass with dinner or linger over a second bottle while conversation flows into the evening.

Some guests may arrive bearing wine, but it's best not to count on it. Better to have an extra bottle on hand than to run out halfway through the meal. Any leftovers can always be enjoyed another day.

What is the best wine to greet guests at a dinner party?

When guests first arrive, there's no need to reach immediately for your most expensive bottle. Save that for the meal itself.

A glass of Pinot Grigio is an excellent way to start the evening. Crisp, refreshing and easy to enjoy, it pairs naturally with cheese boards, olives and light appetizers.

If you'd rather begin with something sparkling, a quality Californian sparkling wine or a fresh, fruit-forward Prosecco is hard to beat. Either will add a celebratory feel from the moment your guests walk through the door.

The best wine to serve with dinner party starters

The ideal wine for your first course will depend on what you're serving. If you'd like to explore food and wine matching in greater detail, have a look at our Food and Wine Pairing for Beginners blog.

Most starters tend to be lighter dishes such as shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, seared scallops, bruschetta or a simple salad. These dishes work beautifully with crisp, aromatic white wines.

For a reliable crowd-pleaser, choose a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Bursting with citrus, passion fruit and fresh herb aromas, it's one of America's favourite white wine styles and a natural match for seafood and lighter appetizers.

If you're looking for something a little less familiar, try an Albariño. This Spanish white combines bright citrus fruit with refreshing salinity and works particularly well with oysters, shrimp and other shellfish.

The best red wine to serve with your dinner party main course

Red wines are often the obvious choice for beef, lamb and other hearty dishes, but the right bottle ultimately depends on what's on the menu.

There are two useful principles to keep in mind when choosing a dinner party red. First, avoid anything too divisive or unusual. The goal is to find something most people will enjoy. Second, choose a wine that shines alongside food rather than overpowering it.

With those points in mind, here are two classic options.

1. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is America's most iconic fine wine style, and for good reason. Rich blackcurrant fruit, firm structure and polished tannins make it a superb partner for steak, prime rib and other substantial meat dishes.

A well-made Napa Cabernet brings both generosity and elegance to the table, making it an ideal dinner party choice.

2. Oregon Pinot Noir

For something a little more subtle, Oregon Pinot Noir is hard to beat. Silky and aromatic, with bright red fruit and earthy complexity, it pairs beautifully with roast duck, pork loin, mushroom dishes and herb-roasted poultry.

Its versatility makes it one of the most food-friendly reds you can serve.

1. California Chardonnay

Modern California Chardonnay offers far more balance and refinement than the heavily oaked examples that once defined the category. The best wines combine ripe citrus and stone fruit with freshness and subtle oak influence.

Whether you're serving lobster, roast chicken or a creamy seafood dish, Chardonnay remains one of the most reliable food wines around.

2. White Burgundy

If you'd like to elevate the occasion, white Burgundy is a classic choice. Produced from Chardonnay grapes grown in some of France's most celebrated vineyards, it combines richness, elegance and vibrant acidity.

A good white Burgundy works beautifully with roast chicken, pork dishes and richer seafood preparations.

The best dessert wine to serve at your dinner party

A great dessert wine can provide the perfect finishing touch, particularly if it’s the final act of a special meal.

1. Late Harvest Riesling

Late Harvest Riesling balances luscious sweetness with mouth-watering acidity. Expect flavours of peach, apricot and citrus that pair beautifully with fruit tarts, baked apples and creamy desserts. Its freshness keeps it from ever feeling heavy.

2. Sauternes

One of the world's great dessert wines, Sauternes offers layers of honeyed apricot, citrus peel and toasted nuts. Luxurious yet remarkably balanced, it's a wonderful match for crème brûlée, apple tart or even a selection of blue cheeses.

Ready to put together your dinner party wine list?

Browse our full range and find the perfect bottle for every course. Here's to great food, good company and memorable wines!

Shop all wines.

The Best Wines for Dinner Parties

Discover the best wines to serve at your next dinner party and learn how to match wine to the food being served.

How much wine should I buy for my dinner party?