Choosing the right Wine for a given occasion is more complex than it sounds. Not only the Wine has to be matched with the food you are planning to serve but also, it has to be matched with the time of serving, your guest's preferences and your budget.

For tips on matching Wine and food read Wine and Food Matching page.

Time and place of serving is also critical. Go for light white or rosé wines for a summer alfresco lunch. A full-bodied red could be the choice of the day for a cosy mid-winter dinner. The following could be used as a rough guide for choosing -

White Wines from lightest to fullest-bodied:

• White Zinfandel
• Riesling
• Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris
• Sauvignon Blanc or Fumé Blanc
• Pinot Blanc
• Gewurztraminer
• Sémillon
• Viognier
• Chardonnay

Red Wines are listed from lightest to fullest-bodied:

• Gamay
• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot
• Syrah/Shiraz
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Zinfandel

Another important thing to be kept in mind is the preference of your guests. Some have special liking for reds and some do not. When in doubt it is wise to go for softer reds (Merlot or Pinot Noir) and whites (Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc).

Finally, it is now widely accepted by experts that the prices of Wines do not really reflet their quality and character. So, don't get duped by the price factor. You can have some really good Wines at reasonable prices. Always look out for mid-priced Wines. They generally tend be good value for money. Check out popular Wines over the internet. Some online retailers sell good Wines at discounted prices if you buy a case.