While planning a wedding is no piece of cake, I admit that I only had two responsibilities during the organization of my nuptials: Select the wine for the reception and stay out of the way.

With dozens of thirsts to quench, what you really want is the biggest bottle filled with the tastiest juice for the least money. When it comes to size, the selection of wines in 1.5-litre bottles is varied with the majority of vintage versions offering good value for the price.

Concha y Toro’s Frontera line from Chile is one of the most consistent, with the white 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95 – $20.49) offering fresh, lean, citrusy fruit flavours and the red 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot ($14.95 – $20.49) serving up ripe, wild berry fruit and balanced acidity.

In the end, though, realize that most guests will only have one glass during dinner. The majority will be watching the clock waiting for the cash bar to open and won’t remember much about the wine the day after.

Prices reflect the range across canada. Some products may not be available in all provinces.

Peter Rockwell is the
everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25
years and traveling the globe looking for something to fill his glass
and put into words.