The wine list is the crown jewel of your event—curating it demands finesse, knowledge and a touch of daring. “Don’t ever let the serious—and sometimes complicated—business of wine overshadow the simple fact that wine is crafted for the purpose of pleasure,” says Zach Bingham, the oenophilic virtuoso behind Naples’ celebrated Old Vines restaurants. (He has orchestrated over 350 wine-fueled events.) “People’s palates are more diverse now than they ever have been,” he says. In other words, have fun with your list. Here, Zach shares a cheat sheet to surprise and delight.
The Whites
Light & Dry: Bodegas Itsasmendi Txakolí 2022
The Spanish Basque Txakolí is slightly effervescent and low-alcohol—a fabulous party starter. Serve from a spouted porrón pitcher. Bold & Elegant: Planeta Chardonnay 2022Zach calls the slightly mineral, Burgundian-style, Sicilian chardonnay “liquid sunshine” for its zesty and floral nose and Mediterranean salinity.
The Reds
Robust & Refined: Field Recordings Fiction Red 2023
The grape formula—a ‘field blend’ from Paso Robles— changes with each vintage, but the result remains: an expressive and structured pour with juiciness and spice.
Deep & Silky: Bodega Numanthia Termanthia 2015
Perfectly aged and ready to drink, the 100-percent tempranillo is one of the purest expressions of the ancient Spanish grape.
And, a bubbly
Fresh & Fun: Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Triple Zero Brut
From a Loire Valley pioneer, the bone-dry pét-nat (sparkling natural wine) is balanced and fragrant. Ideal for aperitifs, oyster pairings and toasts.