More wedding plans!

[misterjive]

September is a long way off (at least to me, but probably not to you), so you are doing the right thing in exploring wine options early. I would add these wines to your list fr consideration: Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon (a real crowd-pleaser, and economical), Stonehedge or Columbia Crest Merlot (both economical), Falling Star Merlot-Malbec (made by Trapiche, extremely economical at about $5 a bottle), and Hess Select Chardonnay. It sounds to me like your caterer wants to go with 1.5 liter bottles, but that's just a guess (the restaurant where I works pours Monterey chard and merlot by the glass from the big bottles, and they are real-moneymakers). Make sure, however, that you get at least 6 bottles of good California Brut, as I have a hunch that many of your guests who would normally drink chard when out at a restaurant will want bubbly when at a wedding. If you are only going to serve beer and wine, I'd get a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay. Cab is a little bit more versatile than Merlot in the sense that it is not usually as big and oaky as most domestic Merlots in this price range. And as if you need more advice, perhaps take a peek at the current (Feb.) newstand issue of Wine Spectator, for their latest South American round-up. Plenty of value chardonnays to consider (and plenty of chards that are more interesting than, and just as economical as, Moneterey). Happy hunting!