Sip, Savor, and Calculate: Wine Ordering Made Easy

Planning an event can be a delightful experience, especially if you can afford an event coordinator but when you're the one in charge it can be cumbersome.  There a slew of details to consider like the food, venue and seating charts.  Y̶o̶u̶ ̶d̶o̶ ̶n̶o̶t̶ ̶w̶a̶n̶t̶ ̶A̶u̶n̶t̶ ̶A̶g̶n̶e̶s̶ ̶s̶i̶t̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶n̶e̶x̶t̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶e̶x̶-̶h̶u̶s̶b̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶n̶e̶w̶ ̶w̶i̶f̶e̶.̶   Most importantly, because this is a wine blog, determining the right amount of wine to order per guest can be the biggest head-scratcher.  Balance is everything and we will unpack in this blog how to strike the perfect balance between just enough and overindulgence.  

Know Your Guest Count

The first step in determining your wine order is to know your guest count. You need an accurate estimate of the number of people who will be attending your event. This count will serve as the foundation for your wine quantity calculations.

Understand the Type of Event

Consider the nature of your event. Is it a formal dinner, a casual get-together, a wedding, or a corporate gathering? Different types of events may have varying drinking habits and preferences. For instance, a formal dinner may involve more wine consumption than a casual networking event.

Determine the Duration of the Event

Think about how long your event will last. Longer events may require more wine per guest. A rule of thumb is to estimate one glass of wine per hour for each guest. Keep in mind that the time of day can also influence wine consumption, with evening events typically seeing more wine consumption than daytime events.

Account for Dietary Preferences

Consider your guests' dietary preferences. Some guests may prefer red wine, while others may opt for white or even non-alcoholic options. To accommodate everyone, offer a variety of wines to cater to different tastes.

Use the Standard Calculation

A common guideline for estimating wine consumption at an event is to plan for one bottle of wine for every two guests. This calculation assumes that each bottle contains approximately four to five glasses of wine. Adjust this estimate based on your knowledge of your guests' drinking habits.

Plan for Special Toasts or Celebrations

If your event includes special toasts or celebrations, you might want to order extra wine for these moments. Guests may be more likely to raise a glass during these times.

Seek Expert Advice

Don't hesitate to reach out to your wine supplier or event planner for guidance.  Or, us--contact us page  We can offer insights and recommendations based on  experience in catering similar events.

Consider Other Beverage Options

Remember that not all guests may drink wine, so it's wise to provide alternative beverage options such as water, soft drinks, or non-alcoholic mocktails.  You may want to thrown in some morning recovery too if you want to be the hero the day after the event.  

Final Notes

Determining how much wine to order for your event per guest requires thoughtful planning and consideration of various factors. By knowing your guest count, understanding the event type, estimating event duration, accommodating dietary preferences, and using standard calculations, you can confidently order the right amount of wine to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for your guests. Cheers to a well-planned event filled with the perfect amount of wine!  Brunello for me, please.