Dec 11
24
Here is a query I frequently receive from my wine courses and its easy to answer. Here goes.
I am having some guests over and would like to understand how much wine for a partyand what varieties do I serve? That is actually a very popular question. So here is 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’s like some families I have met, that means a bottle or two per individual
But in reality for the civilized crowd that you’re no doubt referring, I might suggest figuring on 2, 5 ounce glasses per head. That’s come down to 1 bottle per 2 guests.
Some will drink more, some less. If you undervalue a bit I might also keep 1 or 2 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 visitors as party gifts or prizes.
Because wine tastes are absolutely different, I’d suggest keeping the selections of wine simple. You could 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 people and then something less familiar for the more daring in the group.
The more daring may like fuller body and more spicy wines like Shiraz or Zinfandel. Wines that folks have not had or heard about are often a big hit, too. Try something like a Gewurtztraminer or Viognier. All and all, the best guidance is to make it simple and offer whatever you are most comfortable offereing. Remember it’s a party, not a wine review.
I would also always assume there’ll always be guests who are rather new to wine or don’t care for the more standard wines. Their tastes are customarily sweeter and lighter. A light wine like white zinfandel or a flavored wine like strawberry, green apple or raspberry will do the job. This way there are a few things for everybody to drink.
If that does not work offer them a Budweiser!
How much wine isn’t such a troublesome question is it?
Whatever you do will be fine. Always 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.
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