Wine Pairings

These easy-to-follow instructions will help you find the perfect wine for your special celebration.

Selecting the right wine:

If you purchase wine in advance, store in a cool, dark place until you are ready to serve.
Light-colored wines go well with lighter foods, like poultry and fish. White wines tend to bring out the flavors of mild meals.
Dark wines go well with heavier foods, like red meat, and complement robust flavors.
You may want to have both red and white wines available so your guests can choose. Regardless of tradition, people tend to have favorites.

A common rule of thumb is to plan on serving 1 to 2 glasses of wine per adult throughout your meal. (One bottle of wine usually contains about 4 to 5 glasses.)
Red wines are typically decanted and served at room temperature, while white wines are served slightly chilled.
To chill a bottle of wine, place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. If you don’t have enough refrigerator space, place the bottle in an ice bucket filled with water and ice for about 20 minutes.
A glass with a narrower opening is best for white wines and a wider glass is more appropriate for reds.