When planning a wedding, a couple must select several wines to be served at the wedding, usually including at least one white and one red, and usually a sparkling wine as well, for the toast. A current trend is the support of local businesses and products, and the couple may prefer to use local products at their wedding. All fifty states currently produce wine, so the couple probably will have the option of choosing local wines. If the couple would like to offer local wines at their wedding, they should inquire at the venue as to whether local wines are available. Many restaurants and some venues do support local wineries, and since many venues serve local cuisine, choosing local wines is a good idea as they tend to pair especially well with local cuisine.
The couple should remember that the quality of wine and beverages served at their wedding is nearly as important as the quality of the food served. Therefore, the couple should try to
make themselves familiar with any local wines of their choice, if at all possible. Many wine producing regions around the United States are currently producing good quality wines. California, Oregon, Washington, and New York wineries generally have a good reputation for quality and dependability, and many other states now have good local wine industries. Some of these states with up and coming wine regions include Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and others.
Generally, cooler climate wine regions produce different wines than regions in warmer areas. Grapes grown in cooler areas include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling, and grapes grown in somewhat warmer areas include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel. When selecting a crisp, clean, and often fruity white wine, the couple may consider a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay, which generally pair well with seafood and poultry dishes. When choosing a red to pair with meats and heartier dishes, the couple may consider Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, or the food-friendly Pinot Noir. In addition, many wineries around the United States are currently producing sparkling wines, many of them being of good quality, and the couple can consider this as well.
The couple may also decide to have their wedding at a local winery. Wineries and vineyards provide a lovely and picturesque setting for a ceremony as well as reception. If the couple chooses to have their wedding at a winery, they should consider the following: How many guests can the winery accommodate? Does the winery have an in-house caterer? Is there a contingency plan in the case of inclement weather? Also, the couple should do a tasting of the wines at the winery they are considering in advance, to be sure that the wines are to their liking, as the winery will serve their own wines at a reception.
And so, a couple can support local businesses and products when choosing the wines to be served at their wedding, and the couple may even opt for a very special experience – having their wedding at a beautiful winery.
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