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Fortunately, most people looking at a wine label have no idea whether its a $5, $50, or $500 bottle, so as long as they avoid the mass market supermarket brands like Barefoot, Yellowtail, or Two-Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw), the options in the $10-$15 range are nearly endless. Have them focus more on the type or varietal versus a specific label since they'll want wines that appeal to everyone. If it's only going to be one red and one white, then avoid the really bold styles like Cab. Sauvignon or rich/oaky style Chardonnays, as those can be off putting to some. Having a couple of each, red and white, obviously allows them to cover all the bases more easily. Also, if it's a summertime/warm-weather outdoor wedding, rosé is usually a crowd pleaser. Years from now, no one is going to remember what wine they were served or what they ate at the wedding anyway.
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Some caterers and event spaces insist that wine be purchased through them. What arrangements is the bride making? For liability reasons, it's better to have professional servers pour the wine versus DIY or self serve.
BTW, is she sure that guests will want sweet wine? Sweet red can be terrible and decent sweet white would be desert wine, which isn't cheap. |
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 33348147)
Some caterers and event spaces insist that wine be purchased through them. What arrangements is the bride making? For liability reasons, it's better to have professional servers pour the wine versus DIY or self serve.
BTW, is she sure that guests will want sweet wine? Sweet red can be terrible and decent sweet white would be desert wine, which isn't cheap. Many of her friends prefer sweet wines. |
Concerning a red wine, I can highly recommend the Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley Vineyards in Sonoma County. The good folks there have been making an affordable, quality Cab for many years now. In fact, this is the red wine we served at our wedding several years ago and everyone loved it. A price check reveals it's about $19.00 a bottle at our local Total Wine & More location. So it may be a bit north of your budget....but it's worth every penny.
And I can also highly recommend a visit to the Alexander Valley Vineyards winery located in the valley of the same name north of Santa Rosa (STS). We have been visiting this winery for many years now and have always enjoyed their tasting and tour. |
Originally Posted by gfunkdave
(Post 33346322)
Bogle Old Vines zin was always my go-to cheap bottle back in the day. I wonder what I'd think of it now...
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Originally Posted by kipper
(Post 33346174)
My department admin is getting married next year, and is looking for wine recommendations for inexpensive but decent wines, both red and white, dry and sweet. Any suggestions? Inexpensive means probably $10-15/bottle.
Cline: ancient vines zin River Road: unoaked chardonnay Matua or 13 Celsius: Sauvignon Blanc Olema: merlots and rosé other blends Apothic, Menage a 3 and my personal favorite the velvet devil merlot from Washington state. you can also check the app vivino to check out wines and prices. Good luck |
Lots of good Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand in that range.
Nothing earth shattering but very quaffable at a wedding, especially if there is a fish on the menu. At our wedding we had Fernlands SB as one of our whites. Alongside a solid French Chardonnay that we picked up in bulk from Costco. For red there are some good Malbecs in that price range that will more than holdup to a beef entree. |
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Red Wine$10 at total wine and looks classy from a name brand. |
Originally Posted by kipper
(Post 33348375)
Her space is simply just an event space. She is on her own with lining up caterers, bartenders, providing the alcohol, etc. She will have bartenders, but those are not employed by the event space or the caterer.
Many of her friends prefer sweet wines. With that bolded bit of information and the price point that they are looking at, I’d look at Rieslings, Pinot Grigio/Gris & any German/Austrian wines that have “halbtrocken” on the label. As far as reds, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel & German Spätburgunders (Pinot Noir). You mentioned “dry” wines, also - look for the unoaked chards and viognier for whites. Dry reds to consider would be Merlot, Shiraz & red blends. (Yes, I know, Cabs are dry, however, the attendees at this function might not like tannic wines.) At this point, I would recommend going to a wine shop and asking for recommendations or, even a grocery store with a strong wine department and a knowledgeable wine buyer, if you have that in your area. |
I would like to suggest a French red Rhone for dry....many very good under $15. The labels will generally "look" expensive. For white, if sweet is desired, agree with Riesling, dry Rieslings, but not always, have a bit of sweetness if you don't want sugar wine... If they want sweeter, make a spritzer by adding Sprite. Gross IMO, but a fair amount of people like it. Regardless, wishing them a long and happy life!
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