Whether you're trying to please a crowd of 50 co-workers, impress a new friend, or show your appreciation to a gracious host, buying wines for a party can be tricky! Peruse this list of wines, which is organized by occasion, to find the right wine for you.

This list is broken up by what you're looking to achieve:

• Are you trying to make a statement? Try a magnum or one-of-a-kind bottle.
• Are you trying to please a large crowd? We have a list of terrific bubbles and under $20 store favorites.
• Maybe you're trying to thank the host. Check out our recommendations for host gifts from all over the world, at all price points. 

Across the board, these are some of our favorite wines and very best sellers. Everything here is going to be straight forward and crowd pleasing. 

Not seeing what you need, here?

Feel free to stop by your local shop or give us a call (the NY shop is at (212) 477-1315, SF is at (415) 780-1405). We'd be happy to help take some of the stress of partying off your shoulders. 

How do I Make a Statement?

Magnums! Perhaps the best way to roll into a gathering is with a Magnum in tow. If you're throwing a party, nothing says "have a glass!" quite like a giant bottle of wine. Here are some suggestions for any party price-point. 

New York

Bubbles:

• Eudald Massana Noya, Cava Reserva Brut Nature, NV (1.5L) - $44.99
• Louis Roederer, Champagne Brut Premier, NV (1.5L) - $129.99

Reds:

• Chateau Bernadotte, Haut-Medoc, 2009 (1.5L) - $59.99
• Chandon de Briailles, Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru “Les Lavieres”, 2014 (1.5L) - $119.00

Whites:

• Pra, Soave Classico OTTO, 2017 (1.5L) - $41.99
• Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre Blanc Le Paradis”, 2016 (1.5L) - $114.99

San Francisco

Bubbles:

Can't deal with the bulk of a magnum? Want to find another way to impress? The best way to impress wine drinkers in the know is by choosing a bottle from our Fine and Rare collections. These will be bottles from world-renowned producers, often with a bit of age. You can shop NYC's Fine and Rare HERE and SF's Fine and Rare HERE.  

How can I Please a Crowd?

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is: How much wine do I need for my party? I'm here to break it down for you! 

In general you want 1 drink per person, per hour. You can count on there being 4-5 glasses (depending on pour) per wine bottle. So, for a four hour event, you want a bottle of wine per person. For a two hour event, you want a half bottle of wine per person.

The simple math is (# of guests) x (# of hours) / 4 = (# of bottles needed).

Every event has different needs, but here are some of our most recommended crowd pleasers. These are wines for which we typically have high quantity and that are delicious without breaking the bank.

New York

Under $20 Crowd Pleasers

• Chateau d'Oupia, Vin de Pays de L'Herault Les Heretiques, 2018 - $9.99
• Domaine de la Pepiere, Muscadet AOC "La Pepie," 2018 - $14.99
• Serata, Prosecco, NV - $12.99

Great Party Champagne

• Laherte Freres, Champagne Brut "Ultradition," NV -  $39.99

San Francisco

Under $20 Crowd Pleasers

How should I Thank a Host?

Don't be caught empty handed! I like to stock up on a few great, classic gifting bottles every holiday so that I never end up without a quick gift to give my host. If you want to stock up, or aren't sure about someone's specific wine tastes, here are several great options for you. 

New York

Bordeaux

Elegant, regal, full-bodied, approachable with dark fruit, and classic. Bordeaux is always the first region I head to when buying gifts. 

• Under $30: Chateau Massereau, Cuvee K Bordeaux Superior, 2008 - $29.99
• Under $50: Baron de Brane, Margaux, 2010 - $49.99
• Under $100:Chateau Poujeaux, Moulis-en-Medoc, 1995 - $89.99

Champagne

Bubbles. Duh!

• Under $50: Pierre Gerbais, Champagne Extra Brut "Grains de Celles," NV - $44.99
• Under $100: A. Margaine, Champagne Cuvee le Cractere M Brut, NV - $89.99

White Burgundy

If you're shopping for anyone who loves classic wines, or maybe your friend who only drinks whites, white burgundy is going to be a hit.

• Under $50: Domaine Lafouge, Auxey Duresses Blanc "Les Hautes," 2017 - $39.99
• Under $100: Domaine Christian Moreau, Chablis Vaillon Cuvee Guy Moreau 1er Cru, 2017 - $70.99

Classics

The options are endless, here are a few more truly terrific buys. These wines are true to their terroir and style. They are delicious and all three drink WELL above their price points. 

• Under $30: Domaine Dominique Gruhier, Bourgogne Epineuil Rouge, 2017 - $28.99
• Under $50: Istine, Chianti Classico Vigna Istine, 2016 - $44.99
• Under $100: Brovia, Barolo Garblet Sue, 2015 - $89.99

San Francisco

Bordeaux

• Under $30: Le Petit Corbin, St. Emilion, 2014 - $25.99
• Under $50: Chateau Lalande Borie ,Saint Julien, 2012 - $39.99
• Under $100: Pauillac de Chateau Latour, Pauillac, 2014 - $84.99