Let’s Get Hitched!

June officially kicks off wedding season, and along with the florals, seating charts, and questionable dance floor decisions comes one of the most overlooked parts of the entire experience: the wine. For years, wedding wine lists have followed the exact same formula. One generic white. One heavy red. Maybe a Prosecco toast if you’re lucky. The wine becomes more of a box to check than part of the atmosphere itself.

One of my favourite parts of curating wine lists with Saint Wine Society is helping couples move away from the expected and toward wines that actually feel reflective of the experience they’re creating. The best wedding wines are not necessarily the most expensive wines. They are the wines people remember. The wines that create atmosphere and make the evening feel more intentional.

Sparkling wine has become one of the biggest shifts I’m seeing. Couples still love the celebratory feeling of Champagne, but many are branching into styles that feel more interesting and approachable while still delivering that same energy.

Crémant has become a standout because it gives guests that elegant French sparkling wine experience without feeling overly formal or predictable. Made using the same traditional method as Champagne, Crémant tends to feel fresh, textured, and incredibly versatile with food. Choose Crémant from Burgundy, Loire or Limoux for the best flare.

Franciacorta is a sparkling wine quietly becoming a favourite among couples who want something luxurious but slightly unexpected. Produced in northern Italy, it has this creamy texture and polished elegance that instantly elevates an event. Spanish Cava, which deserves far more attention than it gets, is crisp, energetic, and incredibly food‑friendly. It creates a more relaxed, generous style of service that feels perfect for weddings where the goal is less about rigid formality and more about creating a genuinely good time.

Outside of sparkling wines, couples are becoming much more open to interesting varietals over the standard Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet pairing that dominates so many banquet menus.

Albariño is one of the best examples. It feels made for summer weddings. Bright citrus, minerality, freshness, and just enough salinity to make it incredible with seafood towers, oysters, lighter appetizers, and warm evenings outside.

Godello is another varietal having a moment right now. This Spanish white has more texture and weight while still feeling vibrant and fresh. It works beautifully for weddings because it can bridge the gap between crisp patio wines and richer dinner pairings without overwhelming guests. Chenin Blanc continues to rise in popularity because of how versatile it is. Depending on the style, it can feel bright and mineral‑driven or softer with orchard fruit and honeyed notes.

Either way, it tends to appeal to both casual wine drinkers and people who genuinely love wine, which is exactly what you want when serving a room full of guests with completely different palates.

Even reds are shifting lighter for wedding season. More couples are leaning into chilled reds like Gamay, lighter Pinot Noir, Grignolino d’Asti, or even chilled Grenache instead of heavy, high‑alcohol reds that feel exhausting halfway through dinner.

Rosé is evolving too. Instead of the pale, poolside styles that became trendy over the last few years, I’m seeing more interest in rosés from Tavel. Tavel has more structure, depth, and savoury character, which makes it significantly better with food. It can hold its own through dinner service instead of feeling like something designed exclusively for Instagram.

The best wedding wine lists today feel curated rather than obligatory. They create conversation. They surprise people a little. They help shape the mood of the evening instead of disappearing into the background. Reach out to Saint to bring excitement back into your wedding wine service!

Cheers!
Stephanie Gilker is the founder of Saint Wine Society, curating polished wine tasting experiences and Champagne service across Alberta. She holds WSET Level 3, French Wine Scholar, and Master of Champagne certificates, bringing expertise, creativity, and elegance to every glass.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Gilker