When selecting wine for a special occasion, people are often afraid they'll make the wrong choice and create a social no-no by serving cabernet instead of Merlot. The truth is, the wines you like are the right wines to serve. There are no set rules when it comes to serving wine other than to follow your own preferences. That said, we'll discuss wines that seem to go particularly well with certain foods.

 White Wines ~ Chardonnay is a crisp, dry white wine that is always popular. It is a taste sure to please most wine connoisseurs and complements almost any food. Because it is not a sweet wine it goes particularly well with richer foods in cream sauces, rich seafood such as lobster, shrimp or salmon, as well as specialty meats such as veal.

 Sauvignon Blanc is not as dry as Chardonnay, and possessing a fruity bouquet, this is an extremely refreshing wine, ideal for a summer wedding. It is great on it's own during cocktail hour, but tastes particularly delicious when served with grilled fish dishes, crisp, cold salads or any vegetable dish. If you are serving spicy food, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice.

 White Zinfandel is a sweet, blush colored wine that is very well known. Although you might consider serving it during cocktail hour, it may not be the best selection for the dinner wine. The sweetness of the wine can be overwhelming, particularly with the rich food commonly served at weddings.

 Champagne, technically called Sparkling Wine if it does not come from the Champagne region of France, is the perennial wedding drink for sipping and for toasts. It couples particularly well with the food generally served as hors d'oeuvre's: items such as smoked salmon, Asian hors d'oeuvre, shrimp, and best of all, wedding cake. A good choice would be a Sparkling Wine labeled Blanc de Noirs.

 Red Wines ~ Merlot is maybe the best red wine to serve if you're planning to satisfy most of your guests. A delicious variety that's not as hearty as a Cabernet and not as light as a Pinot Noir, Merlot is a red wine that goes well with most foods. This wine is a good complement to the lighter roast meats, particularly fowl such as chicken, duck, quail or game hen. It is also quite tasty with roast pork and leg of lamb.

 Pinot Noir is a lighter-tasting red wine that accompanies duck, pork and chicken very well. It doesn't have the wide exposure of wines like Cabernet or Merlot, so many people might not be familiar with its wonderful taste and aromas of plum, blackberry and vanilla. This wine also goes well with creamy sauces or dishes featuring cheese

 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, rich red wine that goes best with heartier dishes such as prime rib, rack of lamb, and any kind of game meats. Cabernet is also a great when served alone. It's timeless, and the number of very good yet affordable cabs is growing every year.

 Shiraz or Syrah is a slightly peppery wine which makes an excellent choice if you plan to serve spicy food, roast lamb, eggplant dishes or barbecued meats. It is beautifully dark and aromatic. Many of the best Shiraz and Shiraz/Cabernet combinations come from Australia and are available at very reasonable prices.

 Chianti is a light and versatile wine from the Chianti region of Italy. This variety ranges widely in price and quality. The good news is that Chianti goes wonderfully with a variety of foods, from the lightest chicken creations to the heartiest tomato-based dishes.

 Zinfandel is a deep, full-bodied wine with complex flavors that is almost a meal in itself. This variety of wine is another ideal choice if you're having spicy food or anything with a tomato base. It is also a good choice for beef and barbecue. Do not, however, serve Zinfandel with anything creamy, cheese or sweet.

 Theirs Vs Yours ~ It is very common for reception locations to offer couples a wide selection of wines to choose from. They will let you sample the wines they offer and if you don't care for their choices you will usually be permitted to bring in your own wine. Be aware though, if you bring in your own wine, they will generally charge you a corkage fee per bottle which can add significantly to your catering bill, so be sure to check ahead of time and budget accordingly.

 Take a Taste ~ If you plan on bringing your own wine, choosing the varieties you'll serve can be a fun part of your wedding planning process. Select some bottles in your price range, invite some friends for dinner and have a wine tasting to select your favorites. When your choices have been made, your friendly wine store owner may give you a bargain on a bulk purchase. If the wine you like isn't in stock, they can order it for you usually within a couple of weeks.