on trend magazine issue 4 | Page 22

4 wine buying tips for weddings

( BPT ) - Traditional wedding rules have fallen by the wayside - food trucks are in , having a hashtag is a must , bridesmaids no longer wear the same dress and groomsmen are sometimes in sneakers . Couples are actively seeking ways to differentiate themselves and get creative . All that aside , there is one thing that remains constant - weddings must have wine .
Without wine , there is no glass to raise during the toast to the bride and groom and nothing to drink when the bar closes during dinner . Wine is the first thing guests are offered when they take a seat , and - you know that they say - it ' s important to make a good first impression .
Choosing the right varietals for your wedding does not have to be a stressful endeavor . Whether you ' re a novice wine drinker or a connoisseur , follow these four tips and you ' ll please a crowd without spending a fortune :
Say " cheers !" with a sparkling wine . People love a good toast , and nothing washes down a teary maid of honor speech like a glass of sparkling . Riondo Prosecco is an accessible option that ' s ideal to enjoy any day of the year , but perfectly suited for special occasions . You ' ll get six pours out of a bottle , so plan accordingly !
Good things come in threes . In addition to a sparkling , you ' ll want a red and a white option that are familiar and food-friendly . You can ' t go wrong with a Merlot - look for labels from the Napa region . For a white , Terlato Friuli Pinot Grigio is exceptional and ideal for food pairing .
Wine math : What you didn ' t learn in school . Running out of wine mid-wedding isn ' t an option , so it ' s important to do the math . You should anticipate getting about 5 glasses per bottle and assume that each guest will drink one glass per hour . Follow this rule and the wine will flow all night long , keeping you and your guests happy .
Don ' t break the bank , but stay away from the cheap stuff . Choosing an excellent wine doesn ' t mean paying top-dollar , but buying too cheap can mean sacrificing quality . There are countless high-quality , delicious , wines available for $ 10- $ 20 per bottle , so leave the cheap stuff on the bottom shelf !