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The Perfect Wines To Stock Up For Every Occasion

Whether hosting a family reunion, a formal dinner party, birthday party drinks or a fun hens’ night, here’s how to serve perfect drinks for different occasions.

Read Time 4 Minutes

By First Choice Liquor Market

If you’ve ever entertained for special occasions, you know the trick to successful hosting is planning ahead. One of the biggest things to tick off your list is the drinks – and the best way to get that under control is to stock up on the right wine to match the event.

Different situations call for different drinks. So, while a formal dinner party might demand an elegant red wine, something fun and pink is better suited to a hens’ weekend, and an Australian pinot noir might be a perfect match for a family reunion lunch.

There are no golden rules, but our handy guide will steer you in the right direction when it comes to planning, preparing and serving the perfect drinks for different special occasions.

The best drinks for a birthday party

Synonymous with celebrating, bubbles are a perfect pick for birthday party drinks and sparkling birthday cocktails. Take things up a notch with the limited edition Sensi Prosecco DOC 18K Gold which comes in a striking gold bottle.

Loaded with apples, pears and stone fruit, it’s a tasty aperitif, ideal for birthday toasts – but will be equally appreciated on the dining table, especially if seafood is on the menu.

Dazzle your guests with a DIY prosecco station with lemon and orange twists, sliced strawberries, cranberries and fresh basil to garnish with.

Hosting birthday party drinks to celebrate a milestone event like a 50th? Make a statement with a Champagne like Canard-Duchêne Brut NV – excellent value and also delicious.

The best drinks for a family reunion

Catering to a multigenerational crowd at a family reunion calls for a wine that everyone will love – like pinot noir. Known as one of the great food wines, pinot noir’s fresh acidity, light body and fruit flavours match well with most food.

With its subtle oak spices, a Tasmanian cool-climate pinot noir like Beyond the Wilderness is ideal for reunion drinks as it will complement rich winter foods like casseroles, hearty pastas and even a roast dinner with all the trimmings. If your family reunion is more of a brunch event, pinot noir works well with French toast too.

It’s best served at slightly cooler than room temperature (experts recommend 13 degrees Celsius), so pop it in the fridge for an hour or two, and serve in glasses with a wider bowl – which will help open up the flavours of the wine.

Hens’ weekend drink ideas

If you’re in charge of organising hens’ night or hens’ weekend for your bestie, think pink! Whatever kind of hens’ weekend idea you’re going for, whether it’s an elegant high tea, an outdoorsy affair or a theme night – rosé will work.

The tasty and approachable Born Rosé Organic has aromas of strawberry, cherry and redcurrant – and by serving organic wine, you’ll be earning brownie points too. Make it elegant by serving in coupe glasses and garnish with dainty sprigs of edible flowers. Versatile rosé pairs well with charcuterie, soft cheeses and salads, gourmet pizzas and also sweet treats like macarons – so if your hens’ night is actually an afternoon tea affair, it’s perfect.

If you want to add some sparkle, try the Kylie Minogue Signature Prosecco Rosé.

The best drinks for a dinner party

Planning a formal dinner party? Set the right mood by getting creative with your tablescaping – current dinner party ideas are all about maximalist styling, so don’t be afraid to break out the heirloom treasures, tall wicker candles and your best wine glasses.

When it comes to drinks for a dinner party, you want to impress guests with a bold, classy red like Taylors The Pioneer Shiraz. It boasts luxurious layers of berries, spicy fruitcake, licorice and sweet leather, and pairs sensationally with beef, lamb and poultry – so will work with whatever dinner party recipes you’re serving. This premium South Australian shiraz deserves first class treatment so pour into a decanter an hour before serving to let it breathe.

While this can be your hero wine, other dinner party drinks ideas include fresh and zingy Matua Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for salad or seafood starters and to wrap up, a Stanton & Killeen Classic Muscat served with dessert.