How to Pair, Pour, and Impress—A Host’s Guide to Serving Wine

A well-paired wine can turn your dinner party into the event everyone remembers. That said, it’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about securing the ideal number of bottles, selecting different options for various courses, and setting your guests up for a truly spectacular experience.

Navigating the wide world of wine can be quite intimidating. That’s why we chatted with a pro who addresses some of the most essential wine and food pairing questions every successful host should know.

What To Serve With What

Appetizers

Begin the evening sparkling—pouring sparkling wine, that is.

“It goes great with a variety of appetizers, like cheese, seafood, and salty snacks. And it puts everyone in a celebratory mood," says Laura Danforth, a certified wine expert and the writer behind Wine Travelista.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to splurge on champagne, either! "Budget-friendly options from the U.S., Spain (Cava), Italy (Prosecco), or other parts of France (Crémant) do the trick," Danforth assures.

Main

As for the main course, consider whether it’s light or heavy.

“Lighter dishes like seafood, poultry, and creamy pastas pair well with white wines, rosé, or light reds,” Danforth explains. "Red meats and red-sauce pastas call for medium to full-bodied reds."

The sides, sauces, and seasonings should also be taken into consideration. For instance, a rich chicken entrée such as Coq au Vin pairs nicely with heavier red wines, while a spicy dish is best enjoyed with a wine that’s a tad sweet (like off-dry Riesling) to cool down the heat.

Dessert

For dessert, Danforth says the “golden rule” to follow is selecting a wine that’s sweeter than what’s on your plate.

“Port, Sherry, ice wine, or Sauternes are all great choices," she notes. "And if in doubt, go full circle and pop open another bottle of sparkling wine. Just make sure it’s labeled ‘Doux’ or ‘Demi-Sec’ for a sweet finish that keeps the party going."

How Many Bottles of Wine To Have On-Hand

According to Danforth, one bottle of wine is equivalent to five, five-ounce glasses (or four, six-ounce glasses). She suggests assuming everyone will sip two to three glasses throughout the evening.

"But let’s be real, your guest list matters,” she adds. So read the room!

Will your dinner party guests be wine connoisseurs who favor heavy pours? Or are you hosting a mix of cocktail lovers, beer fanatics, and those who don’t drink as much?

"Once you estimate what you’ll need, add a couple of extra bottles as a backup," Danforth tells us. "Worst case? They stay unopened, which just means more wine for you later."

Can You Serve the Same Wine for Apps With Dinner?

If your dinner party is on the intimate side and you don’t want to shop for a bunch of varietals, Danforth confirms it’s absolutely acceptable to serve the same wine for apps and dinner.

"Just make sure it’s versatile enough to pair well with everything on the menu," she stresses.

A white wine that’s crisp and high-acid, such as Sauvignon Blanc, is a stellar choice for a freshly tossed green salad with citrus dressing and a main course of seafood. A bold red such as Chianti Classico pairs perfectly with a charcuterie spread appetizer and comforting pasta Bolognese entrée.

"That said, if your appetizer is light and your main dish is rich and heavy, you might want to change things up," Danforth says. "A delicate white wine could get lost against a braised short rib, and a big Cabernet will overwhelm a simple shrimp cocktail."

When all is said and done, the right wine for your dinner party is one you genuinely love.

"So if you find a great bottle that works from start to finish, pour away," Danforth encourages.