How to Choose the Best Wine for a Party or Any Occasion

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the wine aisle, pondering the best wine for a party or another occasion, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

From a relaxing brunch with friends to game night, there’s a fitting wine for every moment, but making the right choice can be tricky.

Here’s our guide to help you ensure that your choices enhance the mood, food and celebrations of every gathering.

How to Choose the Best Wine for a Party

Every good party starts with a pop—and there’s a good reason why sparkling wines are synonymous with celebrations.

The crisp effervescence and zesty flavors can do wonders to enhance the party mood. Sparkling wines’ versatility makes them a great match for a variety of appetizers. Prosecco, an wallet-friendly Italian classic, offers delightful peach and apple aromas. Or maybe go for an elegant Champagne, with bubbles that burst with fruity undertones. If you need a good all-rounder, try Riesling. Its versatile nature can be paired with many different types of food, making it an excellent choice for most celebrations.

Steak Dinner

A juicy, perfectly cooked steak calls for a wine with gravitas.

Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its dark fruit flavors and hints of green bell pepper, possesses the right amount of tannins to meld seamlessly with the rich proteins of the meat. Alternatively, Argentina’s flagship red, Malbec, offers flavors of black cherry and plum with a hint of smokiness that’s an impeccable match for grilled steaks.

Discover more about choosing the best wine with steak in our in-depth guide to wine and steak pairings, from different cuts to cooking methods and sauces.

Sunday Brunch

Ah, brunch—the meal that encourages relaxation and conversation—and is the perfect end to the week.

With typical red fruit and citrus flavors, rosé wine is refreshing and light, complementing a range of brunch dishes from quiches to pancakes. A classic Mimosa, that delightful blend of sparkling wine and orange juice, is the undisputed champion of brunch beverages, providing a sweet and tangy kick to start your day right.

Date Night

Date night demands something intimate and charming.

Enter Pinot Noir, with its seductive aromas of cherries and rose petals. It’s a versatile wine, whether you’re cooking up a pasta or poultry dish. Alternatively, a Chardonnay is your date night hero if you're leaning towards white. Its buttery finish and notes of apple and vanilla add a touch of elegance to many dishes, setting the stage for a memorable evening.

Alongside these, Chenin Blanc is a stellar pick. Its versatile nature, fresh acidity, and wide range of styles from floral and fruity to honeyed sweetness make it a good match for lots of different dishes.

Vegan Dinner

Plant-based meals are gaining popularity, as more people focus on fresh and more environmentally friendly ingredients.

With its zesty citrus and green apple flavors, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best wines for a vegan party. This wine pairs superbly with green salads, vegetable dishes and grain-based meals, making it a reliable choice. Grenache is another wine for vegan dinners—its fruit-forward character makes it an excellent companion to grilled vegetables and vegan casseroles.

Seafood Lunch

Seafood dishes, with their delicate flavors, deserve wines that elevate without overpowering. White wine is the way to go here.

Spanish gem Albariño brings hints of lemon, grapefruit and, occasionally, a salinity that conjures up a taste of the sea. A light-bodied Vermentino adds pear and green apple notes, making your seafood lunch shine.

Birthday Celebration

Celebrating another year around the sun deserves nothing but the best.

Champagne, the crème de la crème of sparkling wines, brings luxurious bubbles and complex toasted brioche flavors, making every sip a treat. For those with a sweet tooth, dessert wines, like late-harvest Riesling or Sauternes, provide a luscious sweetness that pairs delightfully with cakes and pastries.

Best Wine for a Housewarming Party

Welcoming loved ones to your new abode?

Merlot, with its plum and black cherry profile, is an easy-drinking red that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you’re inclined towards white wines, Viognier offers aromatic notes of peach, tangerine and honeysuckle.

Pinot Noir is also one of the best wines for a housewarming party, as it matches just about every kind of food. Packed with red berry flavors of strawberries, raspberries and cherries, accompanied by floral notes like rose and violet, Pinot Noir is a welcome guest at any gathering.

Pre-Games or Game Night

The pre-game excitement, or the friendly competition of a game night, demands a laid-back and flavorful wine.

Zinfandel, with its jammy fruit notes and peppery finish, is perfect for those edge-of-your-seat moments. Alternatively, Spanish Cava is an affordable way to add a touch of sparkle to a game night.

Best Wine for a Holiday Party

When planning the best wine selection for a holiday party, kick things off on a bubbly note by serving Champagne (or another sparkling wine), which always elevates the festive mood.

If you’re leaning toward white wines, consider a rich Chardonnay for cream-based dishes, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for lighter fare or a slightly sweet Riesling for spiced dishes. For red wine enthusiasts, a versatile Pinot Noir is perfect for dishes like turkey or salmon, while a robust Cabernet Sauvignon pairs splendidly with red meats.

While the world of wine may seem vast and intimidating, armed with a bit of knowledge and a dash of curiosity, you’re well on your way to making memories with every pour.

Here’s to many more wine adventures, shared stories and perfect pairings!

Other Occasions & Events Articles You May Be Interested in

Want a fantastic range of wines on hand for any occasion? Discover the benefits of joining the Laithwaites Wine Club.