So, you’ve sent out your invites and are now preparing for your summer party. But with a load of friends potentially coming, how much wine should you serve and what type? If the weather is hot (fingers crossed), how can you chill the large amount of drinks and for how long?

These are just few of the things you might be wondering about when it comes to preparing for your summer party.

Below are some tips and tricks suggested by team Corney & Barrow to aid your summer party queries.

Which wine

In the sunny weather focus on lighter more refreshing wine styles such as our house white or an Argentinian Torrontes. However, if you’re barbecuing then consider the food – a hearty, smokey steak will not go well with a light white wine, so match it with an equally weighted smokey red like a lovely Pinotage. If you’ll be opening up lots of bottles screw caps are a good idea.

How much

First, get an idea of how many guests will be driving and if possible, those who don’t drink. ½ a bottle per person generally works out well but err on the generous side – it’s never nice to tell your guests that you have run out!

Glasses

It’s perhaps not a great plan to bring out the best glasses you have if you’re outside with lots of guests. If you’re looking to invest, the tulip shape of glass is best because it holds in the aroma of the wine for longer – make sure you don’t pour beyond the bowl-shaped part. Some good quality brands are Spiegelau, Riedel and Zalto, otherwise buy cheap ones from the usual places.

If you feel the crowd might need something more friendly, then go for plastic. But that’s always a difficult call to make…

Chilled

Nobody wants ice in their wine… so clean some grapes and pop them in the freezer. Using these as an ice cube supplement ensures you don’t risk watering down your wine and keeps it cooler for longer in the summer sun. If you’re a bit peckish afterwards you also have something to chew! Well, that’s up to you… Also good for picnics.

The main problem at larger summer parties is keeping all the wine that should be served chilled, chilled. The simplest solution is to fill a large bucket, a clean bin or even the bath tub full of water and add some ice (more water than ice) and stick all the bottles and other chilled drinks in.

Tell people to help themselves otherwise you’ll end up tending the bar all day!

Whites

If it’s a small gathering, chill the full-bodied whites (such as new world Chardonnays) overnight and take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving. Dry whites such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc can be served a tad cooler and sweet wines and Riesling can be served even colder – not freezing, of course, unless you want iced wine lollies. Although that sounds somehow tempting…

Reds

Room temperature? That phrase was coined back when central heating didn’t exist, so room temperature was around 15 – 18 degrees. Much warmer than that and they start to taste like grape soup! And yes, you can chill them as this can help freshen the flavours. Take care not to chill especially tannic wines which tend to be harsh and pointy when cool, instead stick to the fruity, less oaky ones.

With a bit of clever preparation you’ll get to enjoy your party. And isn’t that the main thing? Apart from your guests, of course…

Find all the summer party wines you need on our website or call our sales team for some expert advice on 020 7265 2430.