Planning a dinner party requires more than just creating a delicious menu; you also need to purchase some wine to complement those dishes perfectly. However, navigating all of the different options at the local wine shop can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming to beginners. If you need some wine but don’t know where to start, here are some simple tips.

Tips for Navigating the Wine Shop Before a Big Dinner Party

Narrow Down by Category

There are seemingly endless different types of wine available. However, most of those fit into a few basic categories: red, white, rose, or sparkling. So if you can narrow it down to a particular category before you head out to the wine shop, you can cut down on the amount of time it takes to view all of the options and choose a winner. If you’re hosting a large dinner party, it can also be helpful to have a variety, so there are options for people to choose from.

Consider Food Pairings

When narrowing down your wine choices, consider your menu. Each type of wine complements a different flavor profile. For example, red wines tend to go well with red meat and cheese. If you’re serving seafood or chicken, then a crisp white option might be a better fit. There are even dessert wines for those who focus more on the sweetest course. Once you’ve set the food menu, do some research to find the best wines to complement your dishes. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a role, and you should consider what your guests will want in addition to your tastes.

Read the Label

Once you have a general idea of what you want, you can head to the wine shop and see what’s available. Once you’re there, take your time to peruse the labels and find something that appears to be of high quality. Wine that is made from grapes in one specific region, especially popular wine regions like France or Northern California, tend to be held to high standards. You can also look for wines from independent vineyards, local growers, or vineyards that use eco-friendly or organic growing techniques.

If you’re looking for wine or any other ingredients for an upcoming dinner party, you can find everything you’re looking for at Schmitz’s Economart in Spooner, WI. In addition to the wine shop, the family-owned grocery store offers a deli, bakery, pharmacy, meat market, and plenty of other features and amenities. In business since 1937, the store is open 24/7, so you can find everything you’re looking for at any hour of the day. You can view a selection of coupons on the company’s website or call (715) 635-2836 to learn more.