5 Wines That Work for Any Dinner Party

You don't need to be a sommelier. You just need a short list of crowd-pleasers that pair with almost anything. Here are five bottles I always recommend to our clients.

1. Grüner Veltliner (White)

Austrian, crisp, slightly peppery. It pairs with everything from sushi to roast chicken to spicy Thai. It's the Swiss army knife of white wines. Look for: Schloss Gobelsburg or Laurenz V.

2. Côtes du Rhône (Red)

Southern French blend — usually Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. Medium-bodied, fruity, easy to drink. Works with red meat, pasta, cheese boards. It's the red that nobody dislikes. Look for: E. Guigal or Château de Saint Cosme.

3. Prosecco (Sparkling)

Not just for toasts. A good Prosecco works through an entire meal — it cuts through rich food, refreshes the palate, and keeps the energy up. Budget-friendly too. Look for: Bisol or Nino Franco.

4. Albariño (White)

Spanish, citrusy, slightly saline. Perfect with seafood, but also great with salads and lighter dishes. It's the "I don't know what wine to bring" wine. Look for: Martín Códax or Do Ferreiro.

5. Pinot Noir (Red)

The universal red. Light enough for fish, complex enough for duck. Oregon and Burgundy are the gold standard, but good California Pinots exist too. Look for: Lingua Franca (Oregon) or Domaine Drouhin.