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Photos by Myckenzie Russell Photography courtesy Reena Goldberger
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Spotlight on Planning Wine for Jewish Weddings
Are you about to tie the knot and wrestling with the selection of wine for your special day? We get it. The world of wine can be wonderfully vast and, occasionally, overwhelming.
To assist you in this endeavor, we sat down with Reena Goldberger, a seasoned wedding planner and wine enthusiast. She shared invaluable insights into selecting the perfect kosher wines for your wedding, ensuring your celebration is as unique and memorable as you are.
Simplifying the Selection: Quality over Quantity
When selecting wines for your wedding, Reena believes in keeping things simple. "Red, White, and something different- Champagne or a Rosé. I prefer fewer options but better choices," she says. Focusing on quality over quantity helps ensure every choice is a hit with your guests.
The choice between table service and self-selection is another aspect to consider. Reena suggests a hybrid approach: "During cocktail hour, it's nice for guests to make their own selections. But for a plated dinner, I prefer table service offering a wine that complements the dish being enjoyed." This ensures a personalized experience during dinner while allowing guests the fun of discovering new wines at the bar.
Honoring Tradition: The Significance of Champagne
Champagne holds a special place in wedding celebrations, especially for toasts. It symbolizes luxury and celebration, often reserved for special occasions. When asked about the necessity of maintaining this tradition, Reena affirmed its value but also suggested a willingness to break the mold. "Champagne is meant to feel special, so using it for the wedding toast seems most appropriate. However, if the bride and groom don't like it, they should most definitely choose something they prefer. Possibly a dessert wine with sweeter, more apricot notes."
As for the champagne tower trend at wedding receptions, Reena finds it enchanting. "They are beautiful and make for fabulous photos which are timeless. So, not a waste!" she quips, suggesting the addition of monogrammed stirrers and coasters to the glassware when being served as a way to personalize the experience.
Perfect Pairings: Elevating the Dining Experience
When it comes to dining at a wedding, Reena is an advocate for wine pairing. She believes it enhances the dining experience and reflects the couple's thoughtfulness. "I love pairing wines with each course. If you can do it, I would encourage it. Let your guests know how much you cared about their experience."
She noted that people are moving away from standard reds like Cabernet or Merlot and opting for a Shiraz or Chianti. This shift suggests couples are becoming more adventurous with their wine selections, looking to surprise and delight their guests.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: Trusting Your Tastes
When selecting wines for their wedding, couples often stumble over trying to please every guest. Reena advises that it's essential to remember it's your day. "The best advice I can give a bride and groom is to remember that this day is about bringing your family and friends together to celebrate you! So make sure to choose what you both like." However, she does suggest ensuring at least one red and white option at the bar.
Pre-Wedding Wine Tasting: Discovering Your Favorites
One of the essential recommendations from Reena was to plan a wine tasting before the wedding. "I suggest tasting the wines as part of the menu tasting. It’s essential to know what you’re serving and whether you enjoy it," she says. This is an opportunity to choose your favorite wines and enjoy a special moment with your partner before the wedding.
Embrace Your Unique Journey: Celebrate Individuality Through Kosher Wine
In the world of weddings, there's no one-size-fits-all. Each couple has their unique tastes and preferences, and Reena believes in celebrating this individuality through wine selection.
So whether you’re a traditionalist who loves Champagne toasts or an adventurer ready to introduce your guests to a unique, unexpected kosher wine, there’s a perfect pairing for you.
At Kosher Wine Warehouse, we're here to help. Get in touch with our wedding concierge team today, and let's find the perfect kosher wines for your special day.
Reena Goldberger is a respected event planner based in South Florida, renowned for her ability to create elegant and memorable events. Her hallmark is her creative enthusiasm, meticulous attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Reena specializes in designing a variety of events, including weddings, Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, galas, and corporate events.
Learn more at www.reenagoldberger.com and follow on Instagram @ReenaGoldberger