Use this handy guide to help calculate how much and what type of wine you’ll need for your event.
 
HOW MUCH
 
Cocktail Parties
•    ½ bottle of wine/person for each 2-hour period. If your event begins before 5pm, or you are also serving liquor or beer:
½ bottle of wine/person per 3-hour period.
•    If guests will serve themselves, add 10% to your estimate.

Dinner Events
•    Plan on 1.5 glasses per course per person.
•    Each 750ml bottle will provide five 5-oz. servings.
•    For each course multiply
[# of guests] x [1.5]  /  5 = # of bottles you will need per course.

GLASSWARE
 
Cocktail Parties
•    Less than 3 hours: 1.5 glasses per person.
•    Over 3 hours: 2 glasses per person.
•    Self-Service for guests.
•    Offer a red, white and sparkling (if appropriate) for guests.

Dinner Events
For larger gatherings, rent glassware from a local party rentals shop. Arrange each place setting with separate red and white wine glasses, plus a water glass. For fine wine tastings, there is varietal-specific glassware available that will enhance each wine's specific character. Riedel is an excellent choice.
 
CHOOSING WINES
 
Cocktail Parties
•    Events before 5pm (or for outdoor events in warm weather): 
70% white wine, 30% red wine.
•    Events after 5pm:
40% white wine, 60% red wine.
 
White Wine Choices
•    In general, Chardonnay is extremely popular, and also very versatile. Sparkling wines are also a terrific, food-friendly option.
•    On a warm day, you may also choose to serve a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. If you are serving spicy foods, Riesling is a perfect pairing.
•    Fruity desserts and sweet appetizers pair wonderfully with white dessert wines such as icewines or Auslese/Beerenauslese Riesling.

Red Wine Choices
•    Pinot Noir is very versatile and an excellent red wine choice for warmer weather.
•    Merlot is a popular crowd pleaser because of its chocolate flavors and soft finish.
•    Zinfandel offers jammy fruit flavors that pair well with grilled foods.
•    Full-bodied wines like Meritage Red, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are recommended for pairing with beef, lamb, and other hearty main courses. Choose a port or port-style wine for after-dinner with strong cheeses or dark chocolate desserts.

CLICK HERE FOR A HANDY DRINK CALCULATOR