When you need help choosing wine for your wedding in the Cayman Islands, Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits can answer your questions.
Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits is the exclusive Cayman Islands distributor for many top-selling premium brands, such as Smirnoff, Crown Royal, Ketel One, and Baileys Irish Cream. As the leading retailer of wines, beers and liquor in the Caribbean, we offer the finest product selection and the best prices on Island.
How Much Wine Should You Order for a Wedding?
Estimate one drink per guest per hour. For example, if you will have 150 guests and your festivities will last about 6 hours, each guest will typically consume 6 drinks. This adds up to a total of 900 drinks. If 1/3 of the guests are drinking wine, you would need 300 glasses of wine.
A standard wine bottle holds 25 ounces, which is roughly four or five glasses. Your 300 glasses of wine would require 60 to 75 bottles. If you estimate four servings per bottle, there will be a buffer in case your guests drink more than expected. You can safely order 30% fewer bottles of wine if you also plan to serve beer or cocktails.
Red & White Wine Recommendations
A popular option is to offer two whites and two reds for your guests to choose from, plus one sparkling wine (think champagne toasts). This will ensure that most of your guests will find something they like. The most popular choices include:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet is the king of red wine grapes in the world. It is a dry, full-bodied wine that is bursting with flavors. Try the award-winning Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon from the Colchagua Valley in Chile. It pairs well with well-marbled beef, grilled red meat, and duck or goose.
Chardonnay: If you want to serve Chardonnay, stick to an unoaked or lightly oaked variety that has a stronger fruit flavor. It pairs well with most foods, such as chicken, shellfish, fish, pork, veal, and fruity desserts, but is pleasant enough to drink on its own. The Au Contraire Chardonnay from California’s Russian River Valley is an excellent choice.
Merlot: This is the second most popular type of red wine behind Cabernet Sauvignon. A dry, full-bodied wine with flavors of watermelon, strawberry, cherry and plum, Try the Casillero del Diablo Merlot from Chile’s Central Valley, which pairs well with tender cuts of beef, such as tenderloin, as well as lamb, meaty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna), and grilled foods. •
Pinot Grigio: This fine white wine is low in acidity and is a medium-to-full bodied wine with a rich, floral bouquet. Try Alta Luna Pinot Grigio from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. This light white wine goes well with fish, shellfish, chicken, pastas with creamy sauces, and soft, mild cheeses.
Sauvignon Blanc: One of the driest, crispest white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is a great alternative to Chardonnay. It works well with a range of foods, such as fish, shellfish, chicken, pork, sushi, salads, and pasta dishes with creamy sauces. Try the excellent 2017 Matua Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand.
For help choosing wine for your wedding reception on Grand Cayman, get in touch with John Alban, the party, wedding, and event specialist at Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits at (345) 324-1595. Order online from one of the widest selections in the Caribbean for free delivery or drop in at one of our convenient stores!
