Ahhh… the big garage doors are open at our Troy store, and breezes that carry the scents of spring travel throughout the air. It’s finally spring, and that means party time at Nino’s. Many of our customers are popping in to meet our new Party Planning Concierge, Joe Francis, and go over orders for everything from wedding showers to graduation parties. When it comes to parties, gatherings, or mixers, we have everything you need!

In my department, I am commonly asked which wines are good for parties. I like to suggest wines that are not too sweet and not too dry–Goldilocks wines, if you will. You don’t have to spend a bundle to get something good. For the spring/summer months, I like the La Vieille Ferme Red, White, and Rosé. The white and rosé are fruit forward but dry, and the red has spicy berry flavors and a fresh finish. If you have diehard Cabernet Sauvignon fans in the crowd, you can’t beat McManis. Their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio are also good picks. For the budget conscious, Domino brand wines are across the board a great pick. Their Pinot Grigio is fruity and crisp, their Moscato light and sweet, and their Cabernet Sauvignon is uncommonly layered and dry for a wine that’s only $5.49.

Red blends are a growing category with no slowing down in sight. Black Ink, the California  red blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Malbec, is our #1 moving red wine on the floor due to its soft
tannins and rich, juicy profile. Dark Horse and Goose Bump are good alternatives with the same fleshy berry nuances and overtones of sweetness. If you are gearing up for a taste of Little Italy, Benvolio Tuscan Red Blend and Pinot Grigio are bravissima with Italian fare off the grill. All of these wines are under $10 and outstanding values!

In the $10 to $15 range, you can really step up the complexity and depth of flavor of the wines. Bread and Butter Chardonnay is a new favorite with big, rich, buttery flavors, and their Pinot Noir is fresh and fruity with spiced cherry notes and soft tannins. Heartier, bolder wines like Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon and Field Blend, or Andeluna and Sottano Malbecs, are better suited for steak or red meats off the grill. The Chardonnay’s from Sottano and Parducci are sure to be crowd pleasers and pair well with seafood-focused dishes or salad. For hot, mid-summer parties, having a zippy Sauvignon Blanc on hand is always a good idea. Haut Poitou from the Loire Valley in France is a favorite, as well as the classically New Zealand style of Mohua.

At Nino’s, our wine team is constantly tasting new items to keep up with current wine trends and vintages, but we have more than just wine for your perfect party! We have a long list of specialty craft beers, and our Troy and Clinton Township stores have almost any liquor you could ask for! Whether you are celebrating a graduate or a bride and groom, we have what it takes to make your event easy and memorable!

Do you have questions about an upcoming event? Tweet me @Ninoswineexpert!
Enjoy!