Follow this Guide when Choosing Wine for your Big Event

Hattiesburg, MS

Do you have a banquet, wedding or big party on the horizon? No matter the event you may be hosting, the beverages are one of the most important parts. If you choose to serve wine at your get-together, you have some decisions to make. That’s why Lincoln Road Package Store compiled this guide with a few things you may want to consider when picking wine for your event.

Go by the numbers

There are two key figures you need: how many people are attending and how long your event is expected to be. On average, party planners use the rule of two alcoholic drinks per person, per hour. An average bottle of wine contains four full glasses. Use these assumptions to average how many servings of wine you will need. For example, if you have a three-hour event with 50 guests, you can assume you will need to have about 75 bottles of wine.

Will everyone be drinking?

At an adults-only event, it is safe to say most guests will indulge. If the party you are hosting involves families or sober guests, however, you will need to factor that into your math. Including a non-alcoholic wine may be a beneficial option if you expect the number of underage or sober guests to be larger.

Red, white or sparkling?

It’s a good rule of thumb to include at least one red and one white option at your party. Even if the red is best paired with your food selection, you may find yourself with guests who prefer white, or vice versa. Adding a sparkling option, such as Cava or Prosecco, could be a nice addition if you’re celebrating a wedding, graduation or anniversary and would like a toast to be made. You may also want to consider an additional rose option, instead of sparkling, if you feel your guests may prefer it.

How much of each?

Depending on the environment of your function, you may want to get more of one type of wine than the other. Some utilize the 60/40 rule:

• If your event is happening in warmer weather or is going to end before 5 p.m., you should have 60% white wine and 40% red.
• For events happening later in the day or during the colder parts of the year, you should have 60% red wine and 40% white.

What is the food menu?

The food you plan to serve at your event can be pivotal to the wine you decide to pour. As a general rule, your wine should be more acidic and sweeter than the food. It also should have the same flavor intensity. Reds pair best with boldly flavored meats, such as red meats, and whites pair best with light-intensity meats, like fish or chicken. A Spanish-style tapas meal might go great with a Malbec, while a light risotto or summer salad would pair well with your favorite Pinot Grigio.

What is your budget?

With a more conservative budget, one may tend to lean towards the cheapest wines on the market. This isn’t always necessary, though; many times, you can find discounts or deals for buying in bulk or by the case. There are plenty of affordable options available that taste great as well. We recommend shopping around for all types in your price range. What you find may surprise you.

Extensive wine selection in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

When you need to stock up on wine for your next big event, Lincoln Road Package Store is your destination. We have an extensive supply of different varieties of wine and our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have.

Visit our location at 2800 Lincoln Road, Suite A, in Hattiesburg, MS. If you have questions, call (601) 268-3677 or send an e-mail to jamiefarris@gmail.com.

Lincoln Road Package Store proudly serves the adult beverage needs of Hattiesburg, MS.