When you choose France for your wedding, you’re not just picking a location – you’re embracing everything this remarkable country has to offer. And at the heart of French culture lies its exceptional wine heritage. Choosing wines for your celebration is more than just another item on your planning checklist. It’s about crafting an authentic French experience that you and your guests will remember long after the final toast. In this article, you’ll discover how local wines can transform your celebration into something truly special. From that first welcome drink to the evening’s final glass, let’s explore how to bring the very best of French culture to your wedding day.
Key Insights
- Allocate one bottle of wine per guest to ensure a steady flow of drinks throughout the event.
- Stock six Champagne glasses per bottle for toasts, and plan extra for refills or towers.
- Over-ordering wine is ideal for multi-day weddings, as leftover bottles can be enjoyed across events.
- Renting glassware is a cost-effective way to ensure enough wine and Champagne glasses for all guests.
- Local wine suppliers often offer mix-and-match cases, making it easy to tailor your selection and save on costs.
The History of French Wine
Wine making in France started way back in the 6th century BC, when the Greeks brought the first grape vines to Southern France. Over the centuries, monks in monasteries took charge of perfecting winemaking techniques, and despite facing challenges like the French Revolution and both World Wars, French wine culture kept going strong. In 1935, France set up the AOC system (think of it as a quality guarantee) to protect their winemaking traditions. Today, this rich history is what makes French wines so special – and what will make them the perfect addition to your wedding celebration.
French Wine Regions and Their Signature Varieties
Just as every couple has their own unique story, each French wine region offers something special for your celebration. Let’s explore these magical places together:
Bordeaux: The Crème de la Crème of wines
Welcome to the home of iconic blends, where romance flows as freely as the wine. Here’s what makes Bordeaux special:
Key Varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc create red wines as deep and complex as love itself
- Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon bring freshness and vitality to white wines
- Sweet Sauternes offers liquid gold for your most precious moments
Famous Wines
- Red Bordeaux: Picture rich, velvety blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot coating your palate
- White Bordeaux: Imagine aged blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon dancing on your tongue
- Sauternes: Think honeyed nectar with whispers of apricot and marmalade—perfect for dessert
Legendary names like Château Margaux, Château d’Yquem, and Château Latour aren’t just wines—they’re liquid poetry that can elevate your celebration.
Burgundy: Where Every Sip Tells a Story
Key Varieties:
- Pinot Noir creates reds that whisper of romance
- Chardonnay reaches new heights of elegance
Famous Wines:
- Red Burgundy: These cult Pinot Noirs offer complexity that unfolds like chapters in your love story
- White Burgundy: Creamy, oaked Chardonnay that sets the global standard for excellence
- Chablis: A northern treasure offering bright, crisp Chardonnay with citrus notes that sparkle like morning dew
The famous Romanée-Conti vineyards produce some of the world’s most sought-after wines—perfect for those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Champagne: Where Celebrations Begin
Nothing says celebration quite like the pop of a Champagne cork! Let’s discover what makes this region sparkle:
Key Varieties:
- Pinot Noir brings body and depth
- Chardonnay adds elegance and finesse
- Pinot Meunier rounds out the blend with fruit and charm
Famous Wines to Toast Your Love:
- Blanc de Blancs: Pure Chardonnay creating bright, citrusy sparklers that dance in your glass
- Blanc de Noirs: Fuller-bodied celebrations crafted from Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier
- While non-vintage blends create consistent joy, legendary names like Dom Pérignon and Krug can make your special moments truly extraordinary
Loire Valley: A River of Possibilities
The Loire Valley offers as much variety as there are ways to say “I love you”.
Key Varieties:
- Sauvignon Blanc shines with brilliant clarity
- Chenin Blanc adapts to every moment
- Cabernet Franc brings elegant red wine options
Famous Wines:
- Sancerre: Crystal-clear Sauvignon Blanc that pairs perfectly with your cocktail hour
- Pouilly-Fumé: Rich, oak-kissed whites that complement elegant dishes
- Vouvray and Coteaux du Layon: Chenin Blanc ranging from crisp to honeyed sweet
- Chinon and Bourgueil: Elegant reds that complement intimate dinner moments
Don’t forget Muscadet—its bright acidity and creamy texture make it a dream partner for seafood courses.
Rhône Valley: Bold Expressions of Joy
The Rhône Valley brings dramatic flair to your celebration:
Key Varieties:
- Syrah leads with confidence
- Grenache adds warmth and generosity
- Marsanne and Viognier bring aromatic beauty
Famous Wines:
- Northern Rhône: Syrah-based wines like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage offer smoky sophistication
- Southern Rhône: Grenache-led blends including the legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- White Rhône: Rich, honeyed whites that complement creative cuisine
These bold wines pair beautifully with hearty wedding feasts, making every bite a celebration.
Provence: Where Romance Blooms in Pink
Provence isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling captured in every glass of rosé:
Key Varieties:
- Grenache brings fruit and joy
- Mourvèdre adds structure
- Syrah and Cinsault complete the palette
Famous Wines:
- Rosé: These wines capture summer sunshine in every glass
- Bandol’s special rosés and reds remind us that even casual moments can be extraordinary
Alsace: Where Tradition Meets Clarity
Alsace offers a different kind of French wine story, one told through aromatic whites:
Key Varieties That Sing:
- Riesling brings mineral brightness
- Gewürztraminer offers exotic spice
- Pinot Gris balances richness with grace
Famous Wines to Delight:
- Riesling: Dry, minerally whites with citrus and floral notes that dance
- Gewürztraminer: Lush wines with lychee and rose aromas that transport you
- The beautiful thing about Alsace? The grape variety on the label tells you exactly what’s in store
How Much Wine to Allow for a Wedding in France?
Let’s talk about turning these wine dreams into your wedding day reality. After all, even the most romantic celebrations need thoughtful planning!
How much wine do I need for 100 Guests?
- 100 bottles of wine (adjust if you’re also serving other libations)
- At least 17 bottles of Champagne for toasting (more if you want the bubbles flowing all night!)
How many bottles of wine for 50 Guests?
- 50 bottles of wine (less if other drinks are starring too)
- 9 bottles of Champagne minimum for toasts (extra for continued celebration)
How Many Glasses Do You need per Person for a Wedding?
How Many Wine Glasses Do I Need for a Wedding?
To ensure smooth service, plan for at least one wine glass per guest per type of wine served. If you’re offering both red and white, ensure each guest has one glass for each type. A safe estimate for 100 guests is 200 wine glasses. For a multi-day destination wedding, consider renting extra glasses to cover additional events and reduce the need for immediate washing.
How Many Champagne Glasses Do I Need for a Wedding?
For Champagne, plan one flute per guest for a toast. If Champagne will be served throughout the event or for a tower, add extras to accommodate refills and service. For 100 guests, 100–150 flutes are ideal. Renting is a cost-effective option, especially for destination weddings.
Budget Tips for Your French Wine Wedding
Budget Friendly Shopping Tips:
- Buying by the case often brings lovely discounts
- Many French suppliers offer mix-and-match cases—perfect for creating your unique wine story
- Watch for corkage fees (typically €10-25 per bottle) and compare with venue pricing
Destination Wedding Magic:
- Source locally in France for the freshest wines and best values
- Work with your venue for proper storage and smooth delivery
- Use leftover wines to extend the celebration or create meaningful memories to take home
How Many Bottles for a Champagne Tower?
- For 50 guests: 6-8 bottles create magic
- For 100 guests: 12-15 bottles build dreams
- Budget-savvy option: Consider Crémant for the tower and save Champagne for toasts
Pro Tip: Use coupe glasses for a cascade effect. Budget-conscious? Use Crémant in the tower and save Champagne for toasts.
Creating Your Own French Wine Love Story
