Many people have a favorite liquor, but wine can be just as fun to host with. Wine is great for entertaining because of its flexibility. You can pretty much pair it with everything from salads to steaks, and good White Wine should only get better when paired with other food items.
So what are the 15 must-have wines? That depends on your taste buds! The following list should provide some nice options for any party or picnic that you plan to attend this summer.
Whether it’s an intimate gathering of friends or you’re planning to impress your in-laws, choosing the right wines can make or break any party.
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Bright red fruits with earthy flavors pair well with pork, steak, game, and poultry.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving so this wine has time to breathe. Unwind the wire cage slowly over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation. Serve in a casual setting because of its low tannin content.
This crowd-pleaser has clean acidity that balances sweeter notes for an approachable white that pairs well with almost anything you serve at your party.
Pairing Tips: While some wines are best decanted for hours ahead, Riesling is not one of them—it could destroy this delicate wine. Instead, relax the wine by removing the cork and gently easing out the wire cage over its neck. Let it breathe at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Serve with light appetizers like cheese or seafood.
Here’s another white with pronounced acidity that is great with Asian cuisine, Indian food, and spicy barbecue fare.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving this wine, so it has time to breathe. Unwind slowly but firmly (to prevent oxidation) from the wire cage over the bottle’s neck. This one loves cold food—serve your hors d’oeuvres on ice to bring out its sweet fruit flavors.
High in acidity, this wine pairs well with poultry, herb-roasted chicken, and pan-seared fish.
Pairing Tips: This is another wine that’s best decanted, so take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving. Gently ease out the wire cage over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation. Serve slightly chilled for its crisp flavors.
With soft tannins and complex aromas of berries, cherries, and spice, it’s great with red meats like lamb or bison.
Pairing Tips: Unwind slowly but firmly (to prevent oxidation) from the wire cage over the bottle’s neck when you’re ready to serve it. A versatile food wine, Merlot also pairs well with lighter fare like shellfish and vegetables.
This crowd-pleaser is a great all-around white from the Pacific Northwest, known for its nutty flavors and a hint of citrus.
Pairing Tips: Relax the wine by removing the cork at least 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve it. Gently ease out the wire cage over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation. A versatile food wine that pairs well with anything except heavy cream sauces or spicy dishes—save those for red wine instead.
A classic element in many Italian wines, this grape has medium tannins and notes of cherry and earth on the palate.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving so this wine has time to breathe. Unwind the wire cage slowly over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation. Serve in a casual setting because of its low tannin content.
This wine offers raspberry and blackberry flavors with noticeable acidity, great with beef, hearty kinds of pasta, and Italian sauces like bolognese or marinara.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving so this wine has time to breathe. Gently ease out the wire cage over the bottle’s neck and serve slightly chilled.
Deep red fruits and hints of vanilla dominate this bold, full-bodied wine.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving so this wine has time to breathe. Unwind the wire cage slowly over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation. Serve slightly chilled for its crisp flavors.
This crowd-pleasing red is high in alcohol, with aromas of dark fruits and peppermint, great for casual get-togethers where the bold flavor is appreciated.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving so this wine has time to breathe. Unwind the wire cage slowly over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation.
You may have this powerhouse red grape under its Spanish name Garnacha, but it also makes great wines under other names like Grenache and Rhône. Rich in flavor and high in alcohol content, this wine is a crowd-pleaser.
Pairing Tips: This wine needs some time to breathe, so take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving. Gently ease out the wire cage over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation.
A popular Spanish red blend of Tempranillo with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with medium tannins, it pairs well with pork or lamb dishes.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving so this wine has time to breathe. Unwind slowly (to prevent oxidation) the wire cage over the bottle’s neck.
This food-friendly red with intense flavors of black fruit and chocolate pairs well with rich meats like pork chops or beef tenderloin.
Pairing Tips: Take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving so this wine has time to breathe. Gently ease out the wire cage over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation.
Aromas of rose petals, raspberries, and hints of anise come together in this Italian light-bodied wine that’s great for casual gatherings.
Pairing Tips: This is another wine that needs some time to breathe, so take out the cork at least 15 minutes before serving. Gently ease out the wire cage over the bottle’s neck to prevent oxidation.
This French wine offers aromas of honeysuckle and green apple and is best served chilled with spicy dishes like Cajun-rubbed steaks or Chinese food.
Pairing Tips: The key here is chilling this wine all the way down before serving it. Just pop the bottle in an ice bucket for a couple of hours prior to drinking it so it won’t lose its crisp flavors.
The secret to any party is the wine. So make sure you have enough on hand for all your guests, but also try and stock up on wines that none of them will bring, so you can surprise them with a new drink they haven’t tried before. In addition to having tons of fun, your next get-together will be a smashing success!
