Perfect Pairings: Why You Can Trust GMG with Your Wedding Wine Selection
Meet Danielle: Your Vermont Wedding Wine Expert
Before founding Green Mountain Gatherings, I spent a decade immersed in the wine world at Total Wine & More. I wore multiple hats as Wine Manager, Inventory & Receiving Manager, and Training Manager. Beyond managing over $8 million in inventory and leading two store expansions (including a 55,000 sq ft space with a 30-seat classroom), I dedicated myself to wine education—hosting classes on various wines, AVAs, and food pairings. The true privilege came from meeting over 500 winemakers, importers, and vineyard owners, tasting approximately 4,000 wines, and experiencing exceptional hospitality in some of the world's most beautiful vineyards. These experiences—from brunch at Rattlesnake Vineyards watching fog roll into San Francisco Bay to intimate cellar dinners surrounded by garden-fresh centerpieces—shaped my passion for creating unforgettable moments and inform every wedding I plan today.
Perfect Wedding Wine Pairings
Whether planning a cocktail hour, seated dinner, or multi-course feast, the right wine pairing elevates your celebration from lovely to unforgettable. Here are three stunning pairings to inspire your wedding menu:
Summer Engagement Appetizers & Vermentino
Perfect with: Lobster skewers, tomato bruschetta, salmon cakes with lemon aioli
Why it's a great match: This bright Sardinian white is a smart choice for seafood-heavy menus. Its acidity cuts through the richness of lobster, butter, and aioli while allowing for a clean palate reset after almost every bite.
Why your guests will love it: Vermentino elevates the experience with its bright lemon acidity that makes each sip feel fresh and new, while remaining smooth enough on the finish to never overwhelm. This versatile Italian gem maintains its charm even as it warms to room temperature, ensuring a consistently delightful pairing throughout your celebration.
Roast Cornish Hen & White Burgundy
Perfect with: Roast Half Cornish Hen with quinoa and broccolini, stuffed plum tomato, and shallot thyme jus
Why it's a great match: Chardonnay grown in Burgundy (or their clones in California and Chile) has a rich mouthfeel with a subtle nuttiness that marries beautifully with the shallot thyme jus.
Why your guests will love it: White Burgundy elevates the guest experience by offering a sophisticated yet approachable wine that appeals to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Its versatility makes it perfect for weddings where guests have varying preferences, creating a shared moment of discovery without intimidation. Perhaps most importantly, serving this classic French wine signals your attention to detail and commitment to quality—subtle touches that guests remember long after the celebration ends.
Grilled Tri-Tip & Red Zinfandel
Perfect with: Grilled Tri Tip Steak Carving Station with Chimichurri and Horseradish Sauces, Cabot Alpine Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Maple and Cumin Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Root Vegetables
Why it's a great match: Red Zinfandel is velvet, elegant and adventurous all at the same time. Good red zinfandel should have its tannins controlled with 12-18 months in oak, giving it a round rich mouthfeel which complements the tenderness and fat of the steak perfectly.
Why your guests will love it: A bold Lodi Zinfandel transforms the guest experience by providing both accessibility and intrigue—familiar enough for wine novices yet complex enough to delight enthusiasts. Its velvety texture and jammy fruit notes create a playful counterpoint to the savory chimichurri and spicy horseradish, while the wine's subtle oak-derived vanilla complements the maple-glazed vegetables beautifully. This pairing demonstrates thoughtful curation that elevates your reception from a meal to a memorable culinary journey that guests will enthusiastically discuss long after the celebration.
Ready to create unforgettable food and wine experiences for your Vermont wedding? Contact Green Mountain Gatherings to discuss adding expert wine pairing services to your special day.