Top 10 Wines to Bring to a Dinner Party
A dinner party isn’t just a meal—it’s a moment, and the wine should rise to meet it. We believe in bottles that spark conversation, complement the table, and bring a touch of the unexpected. Whether it's a crunchy white or a soulful red, our picks are always thoughtful, never predictable. This is wine chosen with purpose, for gatherings that matter. Need help choosing these bottles? Then look no further…
Fizz
Paltrinieri, Lambrusco 'Solco', NV
A vibrant, lightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Made from the Lambrusco grape, it offers juicy notes of black cherry, raspberry, and a touch of violet, balanced by a gentle fizz and a slightly sweet finish. With its refreshing acidity and low alcohol, it's a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a variety of dishes—from charcuterie and pizza to richer fare. It’s festive and approachable, offering something a little unexpected with its sparkling red style. It’s easy to drink, food-friendly, and always sparks conversation. Plus, its lively profile makes it a great palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the entire meal experience.
Franck Peillot, Bugey Méthode Traditionnelle, NV
A lively sparkling wine from the alpine region of Bugey in eastern France. Crafted using the traditional method (like Champagne), it offers crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and delicate notes of green apple, citrus, and white flowers, with a mineral finish that keeps it refreshing and elegant.
This wine is an excellent choice for dinner parties because it’s unique yet accessible, versatile with food, and always a crowd-pleaser. It brings the celebratory sparkle of Champagne at a more approachable price, while introducing guests to a lesser known but high-quality French region.
White
Terras Gauda, O Rosal, 2024
Terras Gauda, O Rosal, 2024 is a vibrant white wine from Spain’s Rías Baixas region, crafted primarily from Albariño, with contributions from Loureiro and Caiño Blanco. It offers an expressive bouquet of ripe peach, citrus zest, and white flowers, balanced by a subtle minerality and refreshing acidity. The 2024 vintage continues the winery’s tradition of producing wines that are both complex and approachable. Food-friendly, and distinctive without being overpowering. It pairs beautifully with seafood, light pastas, and fresh cheeses, and its bright, aromatic profile is a crowd-pleaser that complements a wide variety of dishes and palates.
Viña Zorzal, Sea of Dreams White, 2023
Viña Zorzal’s Sea of Dreams White 2023 is a captivating Spanish white wine from Navarra, blending Garnacha Blanca and Viura grapes. Fermented and aged in concrete eggs, this wine develops a rich texture and complexity. Aromas of almond, tarragon, and lemon lead to flavours of mandarin and baked pear on the palate, culminating in a long, lingering finish.
This wine's versatility makes it an excellent choice for dinner parties. Its balanced profile pairs well with a variety of dishes, from roasted poultry to seafood, and its unique character is sure to spark conversation among guests.
Domaine Garnier et Fils, Petit Chablis, 2023
This crisp, elegant Petit Chablis from Burgundy's northernmost vineyards in Ligny-le-Châtel is made from 100% Chardonnay. It offers bright citrus, floral, and mineral aromas, with refreshing notes of lemon, green apple, and sea salt on the palate, balanced by lively acidity and a smooth texture.
Versatile and crowd-pleasing, it pairs beautifully with seafood, light appetisers, and goat cheese. Crafted by the Garnier brothers using sustainable, organic practices, this wine captures the purity of its terroir with finesse and freshness—ideal for any gathering.
Producteurs Plaimont, St Mont Blanc D'Exception, 2010
Producteurs Plaimont, St Mont Blanc D'Exception 2010 is a refined, well-aged white from southwest France, blending Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, and Arrufiac. After over a decade in bottle, it offers rich stone fruit, citrus, honey, and minerality, lifted by fresh acidity. Elegant yet approachable, it sparks interest without overwhelming. Its depth complements dishes from roast chicken to creamy cheese, and serving a mature vintage adds a thoughtful, impressive touch.
Red
Antolini, Valpolicella Ripasso, 2021
Antolini Valpolicella Ripasso 2021 is a rich and elegant red wine from Italy’s Veneto region, made using the traditional “ripasso” method, where fresh Valpolicella wine is refermented on the dried grape skins of Amarone. This process adds depth, body, and complexity, resulting in a medium to full-bodied wine with notes of dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, and a hint of spice. It’s an excellent choice for dinner parties because it strikes a perfect balance between approachability and sophistication.
Lapierre, Raisins Gaulois, 2024
Lapierre Raisins Gaulois 2024 is a lively, fruit-forward red wine from Beaujolais made with organically grown Gamay grapes. Bursting with bright cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy notes, it’s juicy, fresh, and delightfully easy to drink—especially with a slight chill.
This wine is a great choice for dinner parties because it's approachable, food-friendly, and crowd-pleasing without being too serious.
Bodegas Akutain, Rioja Cosecha, 2022
A vibrant, approachable red wine from one of Rioja’s respected traditional producers. Made primarily from Tempranillo, it offers bright cherry and plum fruit, subtle spice, and a touch of earthiness, with smooth tannins and balanced acidity that make it easy to enjoy with a variety of dishes.
This wine is a great choice for dinner parties because it's versatile enough to pair with everything from roast meats to tapas, yet elegant and distinctive enough to impress guests. Its classic Rioja character with a fresh, youthful twist makes it both a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter.
Domaine Bohn, Le Coup de Jus, 2022
Domaine Bohn, Le Coup de Jus, 2022 is a vibrant, organic white wine from Alsace, France. It offers bright citrus flavors, crisp minerality, and subtle floral and herbal notes. With balanced acidity, it pairs well with seafood, poultry, and vegetarian dishes.
Why it's great for dinner parties: Its refreshing versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to various palates. Organic production adds a unique touch, and it pairs well with a range of cuisines, enhancing the dining experience.
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