25 Best Wedding Wines to Serve at your Pre-Ceremony and Reception

From the moment you get engaged until your final wedding reception toast, you and your loved ones will clink oh-so many glasses. But choosing the right wines to serve at your wedding and pre-wedding events can be challenging.

Here, we spotlight 25 of the best wines to serve during your upcoming nuptial celebrations—because when the wine price tag for the average 200-person wedding is around $6,000 (according to the National Association for Catering and Events), these things shouldn’t be left to chance.

Rehearsal Dinner

Show a little wine style at this intimate dinner for your core family and friends.

Red

2011 Château Puy-Blanquet St. Emilion Grand Cru
This classic, elegant Right Bank Bordeaux is sure to impress with its flavors and aromas of black cherry, violet, cassis, and lingering notes of dried fall leaves and tobacco on the finish. Pair with: Seared skirt steak.

2014 Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
This cooler climate California pinot offers traditional notes of fresh Bing cherry, black plum, baking spices, and cocoa, with a trace of sweet fresh mint. Pair with: Herb-rubbed roasted chicken or glazed duck.

White

2010 Louis Sipp Nature’s Pinot Gris
Exotic and full bodied, this pinot gris from Alsace, France, is downright hypnotic, with its pretty aromas of guava, peach, and dried apricot. Pair with: Everything from roasted chicken to spice-rubbed pork loin.

2014 Woodward Canyon Washington State Chardonnay
Both chardonnay devotees and any ABC-ers (Anything But Chardonnay) at the table will enjoy this incredible pale gold stunner. Aromas of apple, pear, and lemon give way to a subtle spice. Pair with: Fatty fish like salmon or tuna.

Sparkling

NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne
This dry, crisp champagne touts zippy acidity and notes of lemon peel. Pair with: Passed hors d’oeuvres.

NV Meyer-Fonné Crémant d’Alsace Brut Extra
This sprightly, minerally sparkler is organically farmed and has notes of green apple and citrus. Pair with: A creamy, mildly tart cheese like a chèvre.

Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Party

Whether you’re gathering the girls for a last hurrah or having a coed bash celebrating happy days ahead, these fun, versatile bottles will get the party popping.

Red

2015 Ventisquero Grey Glacier Pinot Noir
Chile’s Leyda Valley is the best kept secret in reasonably priced, cool climate pinot noir, and Ventisquero’s offering proves it, with its aromatic influences of strawberry, earth, and baking spices. Pair with: Stuffed mushrooms or cheddar topped turkey-burger sliders.

White

2015 Cune Monopole Rioja
This pleasing, pretty Spanish white made from the Viura grape is easy on the pocket and the palate, with its lively notes of pear and apple and a touch of spice. (Bonus: The screw cap makes this a great bring along if you’re taking the party outdoors.) Pair with: A light fish.

Rose

2016 Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese
Rosé has become a year-round wine staple; your sippable style will be in full effect when you pour this Washington rosé for your besties. It smells like a pint of fresh summer raspberries with tastes of peach. Pair with: Lobster rolls.

Sparkling

NV Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore
From one of the best prosecco producers on the market today, this rustico’s stone fruit and finely textured bubbles create an elegant pour. Pair with: An ample cheese course.

The Reception

Delicious bottles that can satisfy even the most discerning oenophile can be found at every price point. Look for these crowd pleasers with a twist.

Red

2014 Amado Sur Malbec Blend
A blend of malbec, bonarda, and syrah, this Argentine red is gorgeously floral and offers notes of plum, raspberry, and dark chocolate, with a slightly tart blackberry finish. Pair with: Lamb or filet mignon.

2015 Domaine le Garrigon Côtes du Rhône
With notes of raspberry, tarragon, rosemary, and wildflowers, plus gentle tannins, this is an incredibly versatile red.

2012 Cune Reserva Rioja
With ample bang for the budget, this tempranillo will wow you with flavors of red plum, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Pair with: Roasted or braised meats.

2014 Purple Heart Red Wine
With rich notes of black cherry, black plum, and baking spices, this mostly merlot red blend is delicious. It’s made by Vietnam vet winemaker Ray Courson, who donates part of the proceeds to nonprofits devoted to helping veterans. Pair with: Prime rib.

White

2015 Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc
This Napa, California white vinted with organic grapes, has gentle notes of meadow and bright citrus with a subtle finish of lemon peel. Pair with: Flounder or sole.

2015 Nik Weis Selection Urban Riesling
This food-friendly Mosel white smells of slate, smoke, locust flowers, and pink grapefruit. Pair with: Gingery Asian influenced dishes.

2015 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio
A total game changer, Zemmer’s pinot grigio shines with its mineral-tinged undertones and aromas of white flowers and pear. Pair with: Sea bass or halibut.

2015 Tellus Chardonnay
This chardonnay is rife with aromas of apple, honeydew melon, and lemon peel. Pair with: Olive oil tossed pasta with roasted vegetables.

Sparkling

2012 Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée
This delicious blend of pinot noir and chardonnay is the color of rose gold and offers aromas of tangerines and toast, with subtle notes of strawberries and biscuits. Pair with: Pork rillettes.

NV Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
This classic sweet-tart California sparkler offers aromas of Red Delicious apples, candied lemon peel, and white raspberry. Pair with: Puff pastry wrapped savory starters.

Major Splurges

From your first drink as Mr. and Mrs. to a gift for your best man or maid of honor, these are worth every penny.

Red

2012 Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macán
The love child of two famed winemakers, this 100 percent tempranillo has hints of black cherry and plum fruit, laced with clove and dried violets. Pair with: A leg of lamb on the grill.

2013 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon
Retired quarterback Drew Bledsoe started his own acclaimed winery in Washington State. For the football addicted groom or best man, this muscled, minerally red will be sure to score. Pair with: The best rib eye you can find.

Sparkling

NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne
Your maid of honor has been there for you from the post-first-date recap to shopping for your wedding shoes. Show her how much she lifts you up with this classic champagne. Pair with: Popcorn and a great movie.

2012 Gruet Cuvée Danielle Grand Rosé
Pop this pink pinot-noir-kissed cuvee from these French expat producers by way of New Mexico (seriously.) and let the aromas of flowers and ripe cherries, and the hint of nuttiness add to the romance of your big day. Pair with: Charcuterie and fried chicken.

2002 Piper-Heidsieck Rare

Aged for a lucky seven years, this Champagne from the outstanding 2002 vintage, tickles the nose with a mélange of exotic fruits and is all wrapped up in a gilded bottle designed by the famed Van Cleef & Arpels. Pair with: Poached monkfish.