4 tips for bringing the right wine to an aperitif with friends

Which wine to bring to a get-together with friends ? Our 4 tips to get it right

Tonight is Saturday and you have plans to go for drinks at a friend's place. Turning up empty-handed is out of the question, but once again, you are not sure which wine to choose. Don't panic! With our tips, you will never get it wrong again.

Tip 1: choose your wine based on the type of evening

Tasting a wine is, above all, a matter of feeling. A wine should therefore be chosen according to the type of evening you are attending. For example, Champagne is the go-to for celebrating an event such as a birthday, a wedding or a professional reception. There is a good reason for this: the bubbles of Champagne evoke celebration, and its prestigious reputation is synonymous with luxury. For a romantic evening, Champagne is a great choice, but you could also opt for a sensual red wine or an original cuvée. A bottle bearing the name of your loved one, for example ? For drinks with friends, however, two watchwords take priority: relaxation and conviviality. In this case, we recommend a wine from the South of France made from Syrah or Carignan, such as a Languedoc or a Côtes du Rhône.

Tip 2: take the temperature before ringing your friend's doorbell

The second essential criterion for making the right choice is food. Because drinks often turn into a full aperitif dinner. Before buying your wine, call the friend hosting you to find out what they have planned. If they tell you they will be serving cheese, ask for more details so you can buy the right wine. It could be a white or a red, depending on the type of cheese. Our food and wine pairing article on cheese will help guide your choice. If your friend is planning crudités, seafood or vegetable-based nibbles, it is better to go for a dry white wine from the Loire Valley or Alsace. A rosé will also be very welcome.

Tip 3: choose a wine that reflects you… and your friends

Once you have a fairly clear idea of what the evening holds, turn your attention to the other guests. Who will be there? Will there be people you have never met ? If so, do they know much about wine ? These are all questions that can help guide your choices more easily. For example, if one of the other guests knows wine well, your host could ask them for advice on which wines to choose. If that is not the case, we recommend going for a fruity, young and approachable red wine such as a Côtes du Rhône, a Burgundy or a Beaujolais. If you prefer white wine, follow the same criteria but favour dry and light styles.

Tip 4: no need to break the bank to get it right !

Contrary to popular belief, a good wine is not necessarily an expensive one. There is no need to spend a fortune to impress your friends. It is actually wiser to choose an appellation known for its excellent value for money. Wines from the Loire Valley or Languedoc are perfect examples. With these, you are unlikely to be disappointed, even if you choose a bottle under 10 euros. Go for a young wine, meaning a recent vintage and you are all set!

There you have it, you now have everything you need to choose the right wine for your next get-together with friends! Also pay attention to the labels, which can sometimes speak for themselves. As these two cuvées prove…

Your questions about which wine to bring to a get-together

Which wine should I bring to drinks with friends ?

For drinks with friends, go for a convivial and accessible wine: a Côtes du Rhône, a Languedoc or a fruity young Beaujolais. For white wine, a dry Loire or Alsace is ideal.

Which wine can I bring without spending a fortune ?

A good wine does not have to be expensive. Appellations from Languedoc or the Loire Valley offer excellent value for money, even under 10 euros. Choose a recent vintage for extra freshness.

Which wine pairs with cheese at an aperitif ?

It all depends on the type of cheese. A goat's cheese calls for a dry white such as a Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé. A hard cheese like Comté pairs well with a light red. Always check the menu before buying your bottle.

Which wine should I bring to an aperitif with seafood ?

For seafood or vegetable-based nibbles, opt for a dry white wine from the Loire Valley or Alsace, crisp, mineral and refreshing. A light rosé will also work very well.

Which wine should I bring to celebrate a birthday or special occasion ?

Champagne remains the safe bet for celebrating a birthday, a wedding or any festive event. Its bubbles and prestigious reputation make it the ideal companion for life's special moments.