Hosting during the holidays is easier when the wine is sorted early. Here is a quick guide to how much to buy, what to pour, and how to serve it at its best.
How Much Wine to Buy
A standard 750 mL bottle pours about five glasses. For a seated dinner, plan on about one bottle for every two guests. For cocktail parties, toasts, or long evenings, add a little more.
- 6 guests: about 3 bottles
- 12 guests: about 6 bottles
- 24 guests: about 12 bottles, or one case
Buying by the case takes the guesswork out of hosting. It also covers the extras, like a bottle to open for the cook and a few to send home with guests.
What to Pour
Offering one white and one red gives every guest a natural choice.
Start With Chardonnay
Our Napa Valley Chardonnay is crisp and balanced, with enough body for roasted turkey, buttery sides, and herb-forward stuffing. It also works as an easy welcome pour for guests as they arrive.
Move to Cabernet for the Main Course
For roast beef, prime rib, and braises, pour Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Lauren Kopit opens the Platinum Cabernet with her holiday prime rib, which is rich enough to match the depth of the meal.
Serving Temperatures
- Chardonnay: 50 to 55°F
- Cabernet Sauvignon: 62 to 65°F
If your Cabernet has been sitting somewhere warm, give it a short chill. If it is cellar-cold, let it rest for about 20 minutes. Serving it too warm can make the alcohol feel more prominent.
When to Decant
Bold Cabernets open up with a little air. Decant 30 to 60 minutes before serving, and give single-source wines like our Reserve Diamond Mountain Cabernet closer to an hour. No decanter? A clean pitcher works, and so does simply opening the bottle early and pouring generously into large glasses.
Hosting Checklist
- Count guests and plan about one bottle for every two.
- Choose one white and one red.
- Open and decant the Cabernet about an hour before dinner.
- Chill the Chardonnay a little before guests arrive.
- Set out plenty of glasses and water.
- Keep a spare bottle or two for surprise guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles of wine do I need for 10 guests?
For a seated dinner, plan on about five bottles, using the rule of one bottle for every two guests. Add a bottle or two if guests will arrive early or stay late.
Should I serve red or white wine at a holiday dinner?
Serve both. A crisp Chardonnay suits lighter dishes and starters, while Cabernet Sauvignon pairs with roasts and richer mains.
Do I need to decant every bottle?
No. Decanting helps bold, structured reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30 to 60 minutes is a good guide. Whites usually do not need it.
What is the best wine for a holiday roast?
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic match. Our Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is a favorite for prime rib.
Stock Up for the Season
Ready to fill the cellar for holiday hosting? Shop Sterling wines and upgrade to a case for discounted shipping.
