intro to wine varietals

Why Wine Belongs at Every Celebration

At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, wine isn’t just a beverage—it’s a detail that elevates the entire experience. Whether poured during a wedding toast, paired with a custom corporate dinner, or served beside hors d’oeuvres at a rooftop gathering, wine creates connection and sophistication. Yet it’s one of the most overlooked elements in many event bar plans.

Our team integrates wine into event planning with intention. We align varietals with your menu, match selections to your guest list, and serve each bottle with the care it deserves. Wine is more than what’s in the glass—it’s a cultural statement, a hospitality moment, and often, a guest’s lasting memory.

To understand how we prioritize wine inside curated bar packages, see our feature on NYC bar catering.

Understanding Wine Types and Global Names

To make informed wine choices for your event, it helps to know the basics. These are the major wine types and how they might appear under different names or traditions:

• White Wine: Made from green or yellow grapes, no skin contact during fermentation
• Red Wine: Crafted with skin-on red or black grapes, adding tannin and body
• Rosé: Light pink, produced by brief skin contact or blending red and white wines
• Sparkling Wine: Fizzy, often created with secondary fermentation (e.g., Prosecco, Cava)
• Champagne: Only from France’s Champagne region, following traditional methods
• Sake: Japanese rice wine, brewed like beer and served warm or chilled
• Vermouth: Fortified, aromatized wine, key in cocktails like the Negroni or Martini

To build a more balanced bar that blends wine with other spirits, see our article on understanding liquor types.

Top White Wine Grapes and Pairing Ideas

White wines offer crispness, brightness, and an easy-drinking experience. They’re ideal for summer weddings, garden parties, and lighter fare. Here are our go-to white varietals for catered occasions:

• Riesling: Crisp, sometimes sweet, pairs well with pork or spicy foods
• Gewürztraminer: Floral and bold, great with rich cheeses and Asian dishes
• Chardonnay: Oak-aged or crisp, always a match with seafood and poultry
• Sauvignon Blanc: Herbaceous and zesty, pairs beautifully with salads and goat cheese

Learn what other foundational items belong behind a well-rounded bar in our bar checklist guide.

Red Wines That Anchor the Menu

Red wine provides body and structure, making it an excellent pairing for meat-forward menus, winter events, and formal dinners. These varietals are among our most requested:

• Syrah: Peppery and bold—perfect for grilled meats and barbecue
• Merlot: Mellow and round—pairs with poultry, pastas, and charcuterie
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied and tannic—classic with steak and hard cheeses
• Pinot Noir: Light and earthy—excellent with salmon, duck, and risotto
• Zinfandel: Spicy and jammy—great with pizza, burgers, or barbecue skewers
• Malbec: Rich, fruity, and slightly smoky—ideal for Latin flavors and casual elegance

To prepare for quantity planning, visit our alcohol needs calculator and plan smarter by guest count and format.

Choosing Sparkling for Festive Impact

Few things mark a celebration like the sound of a cork. Sparkling wine delivers joy, energy, and a perfect first impression. But each style fits a different vibe and budget:

• Champagne: Classic, refined, and French—best for major toasts
• Prosecco: Lighter and fruitier—ideal for brunches or welcome cocktails
• Cava: Dry and structured—perfect for mixed groups and dinner service
• Sparkling Rosé: Adds color and charm—great for themed parties and romantic settings

For a bubbly base that goes beyond the glass, see our lineup of popular cocktails and drinks that incorporate sparkling varietals.

Global Wine Styles That Add Character

Beyond the standard red, white, and sparkling options, world wine styles can add richness and personality to your event. These selections elevate the experience and invite guests into something memorable:

• Sake: Brewed from polished rice, sake offers umami depth and a refined mouthfeel—best with sushi, Asian-fusion, or modern canapés
• Vermouth: Fortified with herbs and botanicals, served chilled or in cocktails—great as a pre-dinner sip or part of a classic Negroni
• Port: Rich and sweet, traditionally enjoyed with desserts or cheeses—ideal for closing down an evening
• Sherry: Comes in dry and sweet varieties—perfect for food pairings, sipping, or unique cocktail applications

To understand how these styles interact with classic spirits, visit our overview on drink making techniques that merge wine, spirits, and garnishes seamlessly.

Policies and Best Practices for Serving Wine

Serving wine the right way takes more than just uncorking. Temperature, storage, and service style all play into the guest experience. At Susan’s Kitchen, we handle wine service with a certified and insured team trained in presentation and compliance. Here’s what our wine service includes:

• Proper storage and chilling for red, white, and sparkling wines
• Standard portioning for consistency (5 oz per pour)
• Coordination with venue and local regulations
• Bar staff familiar with wine etiquette and pairing

For full compliance and peace of mind, review our alcohol service policies and details on bar catering liability insurance.

How to Estimate the Right Wine Quantities

Running short on wine can be a mood killer. Overordering is wasteful. We guide our clients through smart estimating based on format, guest count, and bar type. Use this basic model:

• Event duration: ½ bottle per wine-drinking guest for every 2–3 hours
• Red vs. White: A 50/50 split is safe, but lean toward white in spring and red in fall/winter
• Rosé and sparkling: Include when serving brunch, passed appetizers, or during receptions

For more advanced planning, see our alcohol party planning guide tailored for catered events.

Glassware and Display to Elevate Presentation

The way wine is served speaks volumes. Matching glassware to varietal ensures the right aromas and flavors come through. Our wine bars are set with:

• Standard red and white wine glasses for clarity and aroma
• Champagne flutes or coupes for bubbles
• Polished presentation with signage, display risers, or self-serve stations

We help clients visualize their setups with guidance from our bar glassware guide.

Designing a Wine Bar Experience

We don’t just pour wine—we build moments. From cocktail hour to closing toast, Susan’s Kitchen delivers wine experiences designed to complement your event's mood and menu. Here's what we provide:

• Menu consultation with food-pairing recommendations
• Access to boutique labels or crowd-pleasing varietals
• Bar setups tailored to wine-focused service
• Skilled servers with knowledge of varietals and etiquette

If you’re also adding spirits or beer, take a look at our complete home bar equipment essentials guide for hosting basics.

From vineyard-inspired tastings to elegant wine walls at city venues, our wine services are built to reflect your taste and event tone. Let’s bring thoughtful wine service to your next celebration.