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Page 1 of 2  WINE GURU JASON HARVIE offers his tips for a top wedding tipple
Where to start
For many couples planning a wedding, choosing the wines can be somewhat daunting. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Jason Harvie, Sales Manager for TM Robertson Wine Cellars in Edinburgh, says that following a few basic rules makes the process much smoother. “Firstly, think about the styles that you like, although this can sometimes be tricky as we all have different tastes. Although it’s your day, you’ll want to choose something that’s palatable to the majority.”
The next step is to talk to your contact at the caterers or venue. “Most venues have a shortened version of their main wine list, specifically chosen for weddings and functions,” Jason says. “Generally these will cover all the bases, from light crisp whites to fuller-bodied oaky styles. If you’re not sure what you want and need some help, make a list of the wines you think will suit then consult with the organiser. If you really don’t know where to start it is always better to ask for advice.”
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Now comes the fun part: “Once you have narrowed the potential list down to a few wines, ask for a tasting. Most wedding venues are happy to open the wines and let you sample them before deciding,” he says. Try to choose a style of wine that reflects the tone of your event, the venue and the style of food, as well as the time of year and the weather. “If you are unsure, there are hundreds of food and drink matching websites offering excellent advice,” he says.
New world or old?
The choice between New World and Old World wines is definitely a matter of taste, food choice and, to some extent, budget. “Many varieties from Australia, New Zealand and South America can make excellent wedding wines; the choice is wide, they come in a range of styles and also offer true value for money,” Jason says. “But there have also been dramatic improvements in South American winemaking recently, offering a quality and value for money no other region can match.”
Jason has found that the classic wines from our Old World European neighbours seem to have fallen out of favour for weddings: “This is probably more to do with price than anything else. The big names in France, Spain and Italy are generally too expensive for the majority of budgets. But there is a new generation of great young winemakers in the little known regions of these countries, and they are setting new high standard, without the scary price tag.” So you may never have heard of the wine before, but your guests will certainly be impressed that you picked a real corker! 
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