What Is a Good Wine for Wedding Reception?



If you are wondering what is a good wine to serve at a wedding reception, look no further than Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits. Our knowledgeable team can help you select the best wines for the event and estimate how much you should have on hand.

What Is a Good Wine for Wedding Reception?

Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits is the leading wholesaler and retailer of premium wines, beer, and spirits in the Cayman Islands. Shop in our Grand Cayman stores or order online and have your purchases delivered FREE OF CHARGE to your home, office, resort, vacation villa, or anywhere else on Grand Cayman!

How Much Wine Will You Need?

A good rule of thumb for determining how many bottles of wine you will need is to divide the total number of wedding guests by 2.15. If you expect 100 guests at the event, for example, you will need about 46 bottles. Consider a mix of about 30% each of red, white, and sparkling wine. You can safely order 30% fewer bottles if you also plan to serve beer or cocktails.

Red & White Wine Suggestions

Most people offer one white wine, one red wine, and one sparkling wine (think champagne toasts) option. This will ensure that most of your guests will find something they like. The most popular choices include:

Cabernet Sauvignon:  Cabernet is the world’s most famous red wine grape variety. It is a dry, full-bodied wine that is bursting with flavors. Try the award-winning Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon from the Colchagua Valley in Chile. It pairs well with well-marbled beef, grilled red meat, and duck or goose.

Chardonnay: If you decide to serve Chardonnay, stick to an unoaked or lightly oaked variety that has a stronger fruit flavor. It pairs well with many different types of foods, such as chicken, shellfish, fish, pork, veal, and fruity desserts, but is pleasant enough to drink on its own. The Au Contraire Chardonnay from California’s Russian River Valley is an excellent choice.

Merlot: This is the second most popular type of red wine behind Cabernet Sauvignon. A dry, full-bodied wine with flavors of watermelon, strawberry, cherry and plum, Try the Rickety Bridge Merlot from South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley. It pairs well with tender cuts of beef, such as tenderloin, as well as lamb, meaty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna), and grilled foods. •

Pinot Grigio: This fine white wine is low in acidity and is a medium-to-full bodied wine with a rich, floral bouquet. Try Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy. This light white wine goes well with fish, shellfish, chicken, pastas with creamy sauces, and soft, mild cheeses.

Sauvignon Blanc: One of the driest, crispest white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is a great alternative to Chardonnay. It works well with a range of foods, such as fish, shellfish, chicken, pork, sushi, salads, and pasta dishes with creamy sauces. Try the award-winning Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Marlborough region.

For help planning wine for a wedding reception on Grand Cayman, get in touch with Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits’ party, wedding, and event specialist, John Alban, at (345) 324-1595 or johnalban@jacquesscott.com.  Order online from one of the widest selections in the Caribbean for free delivery or drop in at one of our convenient stores!