What Wine Should I Serve?

At home, I’m a vodka drinker. Even at that, a pretty straight-forward one: grey goose, soda, lime. When I drink wine, I love Spanish reds. I’ve always found them to be easy drinking, “approachable”, such that they appeal to most palates. Outside of that, though, I’m lost when it comes to choosing wines. Maybe it’s because I naturally gravitate towards the Spanish aisle and don’t branch out much, maybe it is because on a day-to-day basis at Kahn’s Catering my attention is keenly dedicated to our cuisine. Either way, when it comes to selecting wines, the first thought that comes to mind is “I need help!”

This weekend I’ve invited the owner of Kahn’s Catering and some others for dinner, and honestly, I have a great menu picked. A gorgeous cheese to rest in the vegetable tart, heirloom potatoes, and a couple ideas for a dessert – something with fresh ginger. But when it comes to selecting a wine, I feel ill-equipped on my own, so I’ve reached out to our Wine Buyer Bethann Kendall at Vine & Table. I trust her suggestions, she knows what I like, and with menu in hand, can help make suggestions that will be spot-on for a perfect meal.

If you are like me and you need help, think of Bethann as your guide. If it’s for a special meal, think about these things:

Do you want to serve maybe 1 or 2 wines that will go with appetizers and all courses, or, do you really want to go all-out, selecting something for appetizers, and then a wine specifically for each course? What wines do you like to drink at home? What do the guests that you will be entertaining like to drink? What’s your budget? Keep in mind, especially when serving a number of wines, your pour should be in the 4-5 oz range, you can always offer more. I would rather spend a little more on a better wine and serve a 4-5 oz pour, and offer more to guests who want it, than buy a bunch of bottles to fill up a glass with a wine that isn’t as enticing. What are you serving, and how is it being prepared – braised, grilled, poached, sautéed? And, lastly, will there be any high-flavor ingredients.

While not every meal requires this much attention in wine selection, having a guide always helps. Make Bethann your go-to wine expert no matter if you need help choosing a gift, suggestions for everyday enjoyment or for a special dinner.