Pairing by Occasion
Casual Dinners
- Flexibility matters more than perfection
- Have options available
- Start light, build up
- End with cheese or dessert
Formal Dining
- Classic progression still works
- Sparkling → White → Red → Sweet
- Consider half bottles for variety
- Match wine importance to occasion
Cocktail Parties
- Versatile wines that pair broadly
- Champagne always works
- Rosé covers many bases
- Avoid high-alcohol wines
Picnics
- Temperature stable wines
- Screwcaps practical
- Rosé and light reds
- Avoid delicate wines