Big Day, Right Wine by Lisa Marie Ritchat

Big Day, Right Wine

BY LISA MARIE RITCHAT

Preparing for your wedding day, the day you’ve been dreaming of, requires so many things to think about; flowers, bridesmaids, seating charts, the perfect dance tunes. There is no time to stress about choosing the right wine, the make-your-tongue-tingle type of wine that everyone can enjoy.

You want something easy, versatile, a varietal everyone can enjoy and want more of. And though the pressure is surely mounting, don’t panic. Though if you do, take a deep breath. Your wedding is a day for celebration! Here are a few tips to help you choose the best wine for the perfect pairing on your big day.

1.Your wedding day deserves a toast. Think about starting your celebration with a glass of champagne. Choose a sparkling wine on the dryer side guaranteed to delight a larger audience. No need to spend more than necessary on fancy champagnes when there is such a large selection of sparklings out there. Keep it simple, elegant, affordable.

2.When it comes to wine, think basic. There’s no need to give your amazing guests a large selection—a simple red and white is the best way to go. You know your guests! If they like to drink wine, or you have a hot summer wedding, adding in a refreshing rosé could be just what your wedding needs. Goodness knows, the girls love rosé.

I would keep it on the drier side.

3. Varietal is everything. Keep it simple, and remember not to concentrate too much on your wedding season as much as the versatility of the wine. Choose a wine that pairs well with food, but that can also be enjoyed alone. Not too sweet, not too dry.

Balanced blends would work well or if you want to stick to a single varietal think Pinot

Gris, Sauv Blanc, Cab Sauv and Merlot, this is wine language anyone can understand.

MCKENZIE JESPERSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

4.Most importantly, remember this is your day. It’s great to have a special wine at your head table, you just got married! This is a time when you can think about your own favourites and treat yourself. A unique day calls for a unique, decadent wine.

We are so lucky to have an ever-growing wine region in the beautiful Okanagan. Often the people you love travel from far and wide to attend your wedding. By keeping your wine selection local to British Columbia, you can really add something special to your guests’ experiences. They will remember the speeches, the dancing, and the food, but make sure they also remember the wine. And above all else, have fun.

Take a deep breath, crack open a bottle of bubbles, and celebrate. Congratulations!

While Lisa Marie Ritchat previously called Fernie home, she was lured away by the Okanagan and its growing number of vineyards where she is now an esteemed wine sales rep.