Best wine for a garden party
Garden party wine has a different brief from restaurant wine. You need bottles that work for a crowd, are pleasant outdoors in warm weather, can sit without refrigeration for a while, and are good enough that people remember them without being so precious that you are anxious if someone puts them down on a garden table without a coaster.
The white anchor
Every garden party needs a reliable, crowd-pleasing white. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the safest option — its fresh, easy-drinking character appeals to almost everyone and holds up well as it warms slightly in the glass. Marlborough Sauvignon at £12–16 is available everywhere and consistently good. Alternatively, a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc at a lower price point offers very similar drinking at less cost per bottle when buying in volume.
Rosé for the crowd
A dry Provence rosé is the instinctive garden party choice and it is instinctive for good reason. It looks beautiful, it is easy to drink, and it works with almost all the food a garden party is likely to feature. Buy the best Provence rosé you can at your budget — the difference between £10 and £18 is noticeable here and worth paying.
The crowd-pleasing red
For red, choose something approachable and not too tannic. A Malbec from Argentina or a Chilean Merlot at £12–16 will please most people without demanding attention. Serve slightly chilled in hot weather — red wine served at room temperature in summer is unpleasant. Ten minutes in the fridge before opening makes a significant difference.
Something to open first
Opening with something sparkling sets the tone. A Crémant de Bourgogne or a Cava at £12–16 does everything Champagne does at a welcome drink without the price of Champagne. Nobody minds and everyone enjoys it. Keep one or two bottles very cold and open them as people arrive.
At a summer restaurant? Pour reads the wine list and picks the right bottle for your meal.
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