explore the world of wine

Why Wine Belongs at Every Celebration

Wine has always carried the spirit of celebration. Whether it’s poured for a wedding toast, served alongside a corporate dinner, or paired with artisanal hors d’oeuvres at a private event, wine brings depth and elegance to the experience. Its variety and complexity make it a key player at any bar, yet it's often the most under-planned element in event menus.

At Gotham Catering, we integrate wine thoughtfully into your event—matching selections with your cuisine, guest count, and style. Our team understands wine isn’t just a drink. It’s a cultural marker, a moment of connection, and a detail that leaves a lasting impression.

Learn more about how we build event bars with wine service in mind.

Guide to Wine Types and Name Variations

Before choosing bottles for your event, it helps to understand the primary categories of wine and how they appear across global traditions. Here's a breakdown of the major types and name variations:

• White Wine: Typically made from green or yellow grapes and fermented without skin contact.
• Red Wine: Produced using red or black grapes, fermented with skins to give it color and tannins.
• Rosé: A light pink wine created by limited skin contact with red grapes or blending red and white wines.
• Sparkling Wine: Contains carbonation, usually via a secondary fermentation (e.g., Prosecco, Cava).
• Champagne: Sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France using the méthode champenoise.
• Sake: A Japanese rice wine brewed more like beer but served like wine, often warm or chilled.
• Vermouth: A fortified and aromatized wine infused with botanicals—used in classic cocktails like the Negroni.

See our broader beverage portfolio for more options that fit your event’s tone and guest palate.

Popular White Wine Grapes and Pairings

White wines bring freshness, acidity, and brightness to any event menu. They're perfect for lighter dishes and warmer weather events like brunches, garden weddings, and summer fundraisers. Here are the top white wine varietals we frequently recommend and serve:

• Riesling: Light, dry to sweet, with crisp acidity. Great with pork, poultry, and spicy cuisine.
• Gewürztraminer: Aromatic and floral. Ideal with Asian dishes, sausages, and bold cheeses.
• Chardonnay: Versatile, with still and sparkling versions. Pairs well with roasted chicken and seafood.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Herbaceous and citrusy, great with salads, shellfish, and goat cheese.

To see how we integrate these varietals into full bar experiences, explore our essential bar stock options.

Popular Red Wine Grapes and Pairings

Red wines offer structure, body, and complexity—often with higher tannins and deeper fruit flavors. These wines pair beautifully with hearty entrees, grilled fare, and cooler-season menus. Our most requested reds include:

• Syrah: Bold, with black fruit and pepper notes. Great for red meat, barbecue, and stews.
• Merlot: Soft, fruity, and approachable. Versatile with pastas, poultry, and charcuterie boards.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied and age-worthy. A go-to for steak, lamb, and aged cheeses.
• Pinot Noir: Light-bodied and bright. Ideal with grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or roasted duck.
• Zinfandel: Spicy and berry-driven. Perfect with pizza, burgers, and anything off the grill.
• Malbec: Fruity with a hint of smoke. Easy-drinking with sausages, skewers, and Latin cuisine.

Pairing the right red with your menu enhances the meal and guest experience. See more insights in our event alcohol planning guide.

Sparkling Wines, Champagne, and Festive Alternatives

Nothing says celebration like a cork popping. Sparkling wines add visual and auditory energy to your event, making them ideal for receptions, brunches, and dessert service. But not all bubbles are created equal—here’s how to choose:

• Champagne: True Champagne is French, dry, and elegant—ideal for toasts and anniversaries.
• Prosecco: An Italian sparkling wine that’s fruitier and more affordable for casual events.
• Cava: Spanish sparkling with great acidity and food pairing versatility.
• Sparkling Rosé: Adds a colorful, romantic twist to bubbly service.

Sparkling wines can also serve as the base for welcome drinks like mimosas or sparkling cocktails. Our bar packages include bubbly options for every budget and guest count.

Global Wine Styles: From Sake to Vermouth

While red, white, and sparkling wines dominate most bar menus, global wine traditions offer a rich landscape of alternative options that can add cultural depth or creative flair to your event. These lesser-known wines can spark curiosity and elevate your beverage program when used thoughtfully.

• Sake: A Japanese rice wine brewed from polished rice. It’s clean, umami-rich, and served chilled or warm—ideal for Asian-inspired menus or fusion receptions.
• Vermouth: A fortified, aromatized wine infused with herbs and spices. Commonly used in cocktails like the Negroni and Manhattan, or served chilled as an aperitif.
• Port and Sherry: Sweet or dry fortified wines traditionally served post-dinner with dessert or cheese boards.

Including a global wine feature can turn your bar into a cultural tasting experience. Explore more international flavor profiles inside our liquor and wine guide.

Wine Service Policies and Hosting Tips

Wine might seem simple to serve, but proper handling is essential—especially at catered events. Bottles should be stored at the right temperature, poured with precision, and offered within the scope of local alcohol service regulations. Gotham's wine service includes all of the following:

• ✅ Certified bartenders trained in wine etiquette
• ✅ Wine chilling and decanting as needed
• ✅ Portion control (5 oz per glass is standard)
• ✅ Coordination with venues to meet NYC service policies

We also hold full liquor liability insurance and ensure compliance at every event. Review our wine and alcohol service policies before finalizing your drink menu.

Choosing Wine for Your Menu and Guest Count

There’s more to wine selection than just choosing red or white. You’ll need to consider your guest count, food menu, event format, and seasonality. Here’s a simplified guide to get started:

• How many bottles? Estimate ½ bottle per wine-drinking guest for a 2–3 hour event.
• Red to white ratio: A 50/50 split is safe, but lean toward white in summer and red in winter.
• When to include rosé or sparkling: Great for brunches, receptions, and light fare menus.

Use our event drink calculator to get a more accurate wine count based on your venue and timing.

Wine Glasses and Presentation for Events

Serving wine beautifully isn’t just about what’s in the bottle. Proper glassware enhances the aroma and flavor of wine, while thoughtful presentation sets a tone of elegance. Gotham’s bar setups include:

• 🍷 Standard wine glasses for red, white, and sparkling wines
• 🍷 Polished presentation with signage, display tiers, or wine walls
• 🍷 Staff trained in table-side pours or stationed self-service bars

Learn how we style wine bars to complement your venue with the right glassware and display pieces.

Planning Your Wine Bar with Gotham

Wine is more than a beverage—it’s an experience. Gotham Catering builds custom wine bars that match the energy of your event, whether that means chilled white wines under string lights in Brooklyn or bold reds for a candlelit dinner in Manhattan. We offer:

• 🍇 Menu curation with premium or crowd-pleasing labels
• 🍇 Sourcing from local vineyards or global producers
• 🍇 Trained servers and somm-style guidance for upscale clients

From welcome pours to farewell toasts, our team ensures wine isn’t just served—it’s remembered. Start building your wine experience with our bar and wine service team.