Planning a dinner party? Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a formal holiday feast, choosing the right wine can elevate your table and make the evening feel effortlessly special. The good news? You don’t have to be a sommelier to make a great pick. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the perfect wine for any dinner party, based on vibe, food, and flavor.
Know Your Crowd
First, think about who’s coming. Are they wine lovers or casual sippers? Do they prefer red, white, or bubbly? If you’re not sure, offer a variety—something familiar, something new, and something festive.
At VARA, we love to build a lineup like this:
A crisp, food-friendly white like our Albariño 2022 or VARAxLG Chardonnay 2022
A smooth, fruit-forward red like Tinto Especial or our rich Cariñena 2020
A bottle of Silverhead Brut or New Mexico Sparkling Brut 2023 to kick things off with a celebratory vibe
Match the Mood
Is this a laid-back backyard dinner or a multi-course holiday celebration? The tone of your party helps guide your wine choice.
Casual hangout? Keep it light and easy-drinking. Try our NM Still Rosé or Garnacha Gold Label 2021, both of which are super versatile and pair well with everything from pizza to grilled veggies.
Elegant dinner or cozy holiday night in? Go for something structured and special like our Tempranillo Gold Label 2020 or Mencía 2019—both bring depth without being too heavy.
Brunch or midday gathering? A chilled glass of Silverhead Zero Dosage or Silverhead Doux is refreshing and pairs beautifully with a range of bites.
Pair with the Menu
If you know what you’re serving, use these simple pairing tips with our wines:
Seafood or salads: Crisp whites like our Albariño 2022 or VARAxLG Chardonnay 2022 keep things fresh and bright.
Pasta, roast chicken, or mushrooms: Medium-bodied reds like Cariñena 2020 or Mencía 2019 bring the right amount of structure without overpowering your dish.
BBQ, burgers, or grilled meats: Bold reds like Tempranillo Black Label 2020 or the darker fruit notes of Garnacha Lot 0321 stand up beautifully to smoke and spice.
Spicy or globally inspired dishes: Off-dry or bubbly wines like Silverhead Zero Dosage balance heat and bring the refreshment factor.
Don’t Overthink It
The best wine for a dinner party is one you’re excited to share. Wine is about connection, not perfection. So if a bottle reminds you of a great trip or was made by a winemaker you admire—pour it! Your guests will love the story. (We’re proud to say every bottle at VARA has one.)
Stock a Few Crowd-Pleasers
Having a few go-to bottles on hand makes hosting way easier. Our suggestion?
Albariño 2022 – crisp, aromatic, and universally loved
Tinto Especial – smooth and food-friendly
Silverhead Brut – festive and endlessly pairable
They’re wines that rise to any occasion—from Tuesday night dinners to Thanksgiving feasts.
Pro Tip: Want to make life easier? Join the VARA Wine Club. Our curated seasonal selections are perfect for entertaining, and you’ll get access to exclusive releases to really wow your guests.
At the end of the day, the right wine is the one you love—and the one that makes your guests feel welcome. So light the candles, cue the playlist, and raise a glass to good food, great wine, and even better company.
