When planning an event, selecting the right wine can be a challenge. There is a wine for every function and every budget, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Geoff Last, a Calgary wine merchant, writer, instructor, and broadcaster, shares his insights on finding decent wines that won't break the bank.
The Reality of Event Wine Pricing
Finding decent wine is relatively easy, but keeping it affordable is another matter. Many venues take advantage of a captive audience with high markups. Restaurant and facility wine margins in Canada are notoriously high, partly because food prices are so high that profits are slim. Paying $20 for a cocktail or $18 for a five-ounce glass of wine has become common, even though the wholesale price of that bottle is often the same as the cost of a single glass pour. While the restaurant business is tough, these prices can still be hard to swallow.
Tips for Buying Wine for Events
Calgary boasts one of the best selections of wines in Canada, thanks to privatization in 1993. There are excellent shops staffed by knowledgeable wine lovers who can help you find wines that fit your budget. A common mistake is overestimating quantities. On average, a third of a bottle per person is sufficient, especially if other beverages like beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options are available. Most shops allow returns of unopened bottles, as long as they haven't been chilled and labels are clean. This means you can buy up to half a bottle per person and return unused bottles.
If a venue charges corkage fees, negotiate for a lower rate. It's in their interest to secure your event. Running out of wine at some point isn't necessarily bad; you can offer a cash bar for those who want to continue drinking.
Choosing Quality Wines on a Budget
Decent event wines typically start in the $18 to $25 range. Wines under $15 often leave the winery at about $3 per bottle, and while affordable, they may not be enjoyable. For the best value, look to countries like Portugal, Spain, and the south of France. Even regions perceived as expensive, like Bordeaux, offer bargains such as Chateau Dauzac's D de Dauzac at around $30. From Tuscany, Caparzo's sangiovese at $26 captures the essence of the region. Many great options exist in the $20 to $30 range, and shops often offer case discounts.
Red, White, and Rosé Options
Red wine has traditionally been the top seller at events, but white and rosé wines are gaining popularity. Many people find that big red wines cause congestion and headaches due to histamines (not sulphites). Reds from thin-skinned grapes like pinot noir and gamay are better, but rosé offers the best of both worlds: red wine flavors with the refreshing qualities of white wine. Rosé and white wines are also typically lower in alcohol. At a recent wedding, Triennes Rosé (about $28) was a big hit, made by two top French winemakers from a Provence vineyard.
Geoff Last hopes this guide helps you source wine for your next event. With enough stress involved, choosing wine should be the easy part. Cheers!
