Planning a wedding is a game of details. There is a veritable plethora of little decisions that need to be mulled over, which is why most couples give themselves at least 12 months to get on top of everything.

Choosing the wine to serve at your wedding is one of those tasks that can be a little daunting, especially if (like me) you’ve been known to buy bottles based exclusively on humorous names or funky labels.

I noticed recently that Vancouver’s own Liberty Wine Merchants do a wedding registry whereby couples can create a list of favorite wines that guests can then purchase as gifts. Clever.

If you order your wedding wine from Liberty they can offer a discount on cases, and they will also accept returns of any unopened, undamaged wines, which means you only need to worry about ordering too little wine, not too much.

I recently contacted wine-lover Santanna Welsh of the newest branch of Liberty Wines on Commercial Drive to see if she could share some wisdom and also recommend 3 great reds and 3 great whites.

What should one look for when choosing wine for a wedding?
I would definitely just try to go with something either you’ve had before and know you like, or something easy drinking that will pair with a variety of different foods and also be drinkable on it’s own. Versatility is the key when you’re trying to please a bunch of people at the same time. Those are the characteristics that I tried to take into consideration when choosing the wines that I chose. Another thing I tried to consider was their availability as far as ordering cases.

Is it possible to taste some wines before making a final decision?
Tyler Dawson, the manager out at Park Royal does scheduled tastings with people and teaches what we call “Wine School”. More information is available on the website as to prices and which type of classes he teaches.

I’ve read conflicting things about the importance of glassware when serving wine. What are your thoughts?
Glassware is a much argued about subject. Some people extol the virtues of Riedel and having the proper glassware for certain wines and there is a difference in my mind (hence all the glassware in my house) but I think for weddings where there will be a variety of wines and people drinking them, an all-purpose wine glass will work. Most consumers wouldn’t be put out by not drinking wine out of what some experts would call ‘the right glass’. Again, it’s more of a personal thing and varies from person to person but there is a a great number of producers out there making glasses that are being used for all types of wines, not just one specific type.

Now, on to the wines….

Entry level

Artero Munoz Macabeo – $13.99 – light, crisp and dry. Great pre-dinner sipper.
D’arenberg Stump Jump Grenache – $14.99 – medium/full bodied and flavourful but not overpowering.

Mid-range

Tahbilk Marsanne – $18.99 – medium bodied and dry but with rich texture and good fruit.
Chateau La Pierriere – $19.99 – crazy value for a Bordeaux and great with food.

High end

Buehler Chardonnay – $27.99 – good weight and decent oak but well balanced.
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico – $37.99 – very classic wine to pair with food. Medium bodied and versatile but structured.

Kosher Wine

It is also possible to get kosher wines by the case, and in fact as Liberty have been getting a lot of inquiries about kosher wine for weddings lately. Currently they carry the Viognier ($17.99) and the Pinot Noir ($24.99) by Galil.

Thanks to Santanna for sharing some knowledge! You can visit the Liberty Wine Merchants website here.