Splurge or Steal: Our Go-To Dinner Party Wines

The perfect hosting gift is just a bottle away.

Imagine your perfect dinner party. What’s at the core of your preparations? Probably a good bottle of wine. We’ve got just the list to help you mix up your hosting game! Whether you’re looking for a buttery smooth Chardonnay to compliment a roasted chicken, need a bold Cab to pair with steak, or you’re in full celebration mode with a bottle of Champagne, we’ve concocted the perfect list of wine splurges and steals to fit any occasion. (PS- Almost all of these wines can be found at your local Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Total Wine or Costco.)

White Wines

Chardonnay 

Possibly one of the most approachable wines in the bunch, Chardonnay pairs well with both poultry and seafood, as well as fruit-forward desserts and cheesecake. 

Splurge: Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay – $41

You may have heard that Chardonnay’s are either oaky or buttery. Cakebread Cellars artfully walks the line between both with a slight slant towards oaky. Although tasting notes vary from year to year, you can bet that hints of apple and pear will shine through. The subtlety and balance of flavors make this splurge a no-brainer for Chardonnay-lovers. 

Steal: J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay – $14

While it might not be grown in California’s most famous wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, J. Lohr Vineyards and Wine’s humble Monterey roots are anything but homely. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, sippers will smell nectarine and baking spices long before they taste notes of Meyer lemon and hazelnut. This one is oaky! 

Sauvignon Blanc 

SVB is a versatile wine that pairs well with food you might not traditionally consider serving wine with, such as Mexican and Thai dishes. If you’re planning on serving salad with a tangy dressing like vinaigrette, Sauvignon Blanc is also ideal! 

Splurge: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc – $28

While Sauvignon Blanc can pack a punch in terms of tart flavor profiles, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is more subtle on the palate. The tell-tale citrus notes are in full force, but they are complimented with passionfruit and guava.

Steal: Oyster Bay Marlborough – $13 

SVBs are known for being tangy, and Oyster Bay doesn’t hold back. Grown in the famous Marlborough wine region of New Zealand, this Sauv is all things tropical fruit and zingy citrus.

Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon 

One of the most classic wine and food pairings is red meat, like filet mignon, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabs are big and bold in both flavor and aroma.

Splurge: Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – $46

A Costco favorite it may be, but the price tag suggests otherwise. This Sonoma Cab is pure velvet with hints of cocoa, cassis, and crushed violet.

Steal: Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon – $18

Napa Cabs are legendary, and this one is no exception to the rule. While it varies depending on the year, most Louis M. Martini Cabs feature flavors of black cherry and plum with hints of oak and vanilla.

Pinot Noir

Because Pinot Noir is a lighter red wine, it pairs well with roasted chicken, mushrooms, and pork chops. While you might think Cab is king when it comes to chocolate pairing, Pinot Noir is best for rich cocoa desserts like mousse or cake.

Splurge: Flowers Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – $48 

Sonoma Valley is known for its perfect Pinot Noirs. The depth of flavor and subtleties in Flowers Pinot Noirs is exceptional with hints of cherries, warm spices, and tannic tea. 

Steal: La Crema Pinot Noir – $12

The beautifully translucent red of Pinot Noir is further highlighted in La Crema’s version while highlighting pomegranate, raspberry, and rhubarb flavors to create a deliciously juicy wine. $12 is certainly a steal for these delicate tasting notes!

Sparkling & Rosé

Rosé

Rosé’s penchant for acidity means that it pairs well with soft, creamy cheeses like brie and charcuterie, while its natural tang compliments salad and salmon.

Splurge: Marine Layer Vineyard Rosé – $38

Produced in the lesser-known region of Sonoma Coast, Marine Layer’s Rosé is vibrant in both aroma and taste with notes of ruby red grapefruit and stone fruit, like nectarines. You might also get the aroma of watermelon rind, sending you right into memories of summer.

Steal: La Vieille Ferme – $9

If the $9 price tag has you second-guessing, don’t. La Vieille Ferme Rosé is grown and bottled in Provence, with tangy tasting notes of peach, nectarine, and red fruit. You can find this budget bargain at Kroger and most Trader Joe’s.

Sparkling 

Whether it’s real-deal Champagne or another varietal of sparkling wine, bubbles pair with almost anything! Sparkling is the perfect wine to keep in your back pocket that pairs with almost anything but it really shines when it’s side by side with a salty or cheesy appetizer.

Splurge: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut – $45

Not all sparkling wines are created equal, and while many bubbly wines are called Champagne, the real deal must come from the official Champagne region of France. Veuve Clicquot is (the real deal and a fantastic splurge – without the sticker shock of Dom Perignon) just that without the sticker shock of Dom Perignon. 

Steal: Freixenet Cordón Negro Brut – $16

Cava is Spain’s answer to Champagne. Grown around Barcelona in the Penedès Wine Region, Freixenet Cordón Negro Brut is deliciously crisp and dry with hints of ripe pear and citrus. Look for the black bottle! 

From tangy Rosé to bold and boisterous Cabs, we hope this little guide helps you navigate the world of wine. Whether you’re looking to splash out or save your nickels, any of these bottles are worthy of the title “go-to,” but you can taste them for yourself next time you’re hosting!