How Much Wine Do I Need? Party Planning Guide
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By Laura Faire | Food Writer & Hospitality Professional | 25 years NZ hospitality experience
How to determine the right amount for your party and consider wine pairing.
Ensuring that there is beautiful food and tempting non-alcoholic options available is my first port of call. Once I have that sorted, the next step is choosing the right varietals and amount of wine per head.
Whether you're planning informal home drinks, a dinner soirée, an afternoon barbecue, or an elegant cocktail function, here are a few tips to help you make the right wine choices for every occasion.
Home Drinks Parties: 1 Bottle Per Person
For home drinks parties, where guests mingle and chat over light bites over a number of hours, it's best to have approximately one bottle of wine per person. Opt for versatile options like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir that can complement a variety of flavours.
Here's our pick for a drinks party this year based on what everyone has been buying:
- Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc
- Man O' War Sauvignon Blanc
- Catalina Sounds Pinot Noir
- Amisfield Pinot Noir
Dinner Parties: Half a Bottle Per Person
Hosting a dinner party, aim for half a bottle of wine per person during the meal. This is a good opportunity to enjoy the best wines in your cellar as a sit-down meal with friends gives everyone a bit more time to consider flavours.
Food and Wine Pairing Guidelines
Simple tips for food and wine pairing: Consider the type of cuisine you'll be serving and match the wine accordingly. For seafood or poultry dishes, a crisp Chardonnay or a fruity Rosé would be ideal. For red meat or hearty dishes, go for a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a velvety Merlot.
An old-fashioned rule for food and wine pairing that can be helpful, depending on your wine knowledge, is to consider the wine's region. This means pairing types of food and flavours of the same land together. If it is a coastal vineyard, think seafood; if it is wine from an inland mountainous winery, consider pasture-raised meats.
Family-Style Dining: Half a Bottle Per Person
Family-style home dinners with friends often evolve from friends dropping in on a Sunday and rolling into a full sit-down meal with wine. About half a bottle per head is still suitable here too, but the mood is more informal, possibly raucous...
- Mahi Marlborough Chardonnay
- TW Wines Estate Chardonnay
- Rameau D'or Provence Rosé
- Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah
Afternoon Barbecues: One Bottle Per 2-3 Guests
Preparing for an afternoon barbecue, where the focus is on catching up and grilled delights, plan for around one bottle per two to three guests. Hot afternoons call for ample chilled sparkling waters and iced soft drinks served alongside wine options. A well-chilled Prosecco will be highly sought after on arrival. Follow with refreshing white wines, Riesling or Pinot Gris work well with grilled seafood or chicken. If you're serving red meat straight off the grill, opt for a robust Malbec or Syrah.
Evening Cocktail Functions: 3/4 Bottle Per Person
For tasteful evening cocktail functions, where guests move about and indulge in standing bites, allow for half to three-quarters of a bottle of wine per person as well as a quarter bottle of sparkling wine per person for toasts. Offer an assortment of wines such as sparkling Prosecco, crisp Chardonnay, and elegant Pinot Noir to cater to different palates and starters. Guests will change wines, and leave glasses dotted about. If hiring glassware it is best to book 3 wine glasses per guest. Include water jugs and glasses for drinks stations and food tables so it's easy for guests to spot water when they need it.
Large Celebrations: One Bottle Per Person
When hosting large celebrations with seated dining, calculate approximately one bottle per person. Choose quality wines that pair well with the menu choices. Delight your guests with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti for red meat, a buttery Chardonnay for poultry or fish, or a delicate Sauvignon Blanc for vegetarian options.
Professional Hosting Tips
Glassware planning: For cocktail functions, hire 3 wine glasses per guest as people tend to put glasses down and pick up fresh ones throughout the evening.
Non-alcoholic options: Always provide ample water, sparkling water, and soft drinks. On hot days, these are essential alongside wine service.
Service temperature: Whites and sparkling wines should be well-chilled (8-12°C), whilst reds are best served slightly below room temperature (14-18°C).
Choosing the Right Wines for Your Event
Understanding wine varieties and their characteristics helps create memorable experiences. For more detailed guidance on wine selection, explore our guide to New Zealand's most popular wines or discover specific food pairing techniques that work for different entertaining styles.
If you're planning to store wines for future events, our wine storage guide ensures your investment is protected.
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Need personalised advice for your next gathering? Great wine brings people together - call me if you need me. Laura: 021 591 500