CWPR Fall 2016

B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S

C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E

Give your wedding a real taste

of your hometown

with locally produced drinks.

By Anna Sachse, CTW Features

There’s no place like home, right? Here’s how to show off

your favorite state with a wedding reception that features

stand-out local wines, beers and spirits.

A PRETTY PRESENTATION

Shine the spotlight on local labels by finding fun ways

to make them an active part of your big day’s events. Start

the reception with a “Wine Tasting Bar.” Select two each

of your state’s best white and red wines and pair them with

trays of hors d’oeuvres.

For suds-lovers, host a microbrew station. Fill tubs with ice

and a variety of local brews that range from bright, hoppy

pale ales to dark, malty porters.

As for spirits, prepare a build-your-own bar that features

a local vodka or gin along with a variety of mixers like fresh

juices and specialty sodas.

If you opt for station-style dinner service, another way to

highlight one or all of these beverages is to pair each table

with the wine, beer or cocktail that suits that particular

cuisine best.

SMART SOURCING

Your caterer will likely have advice about which regional

beverages are the best match for the food being served, but

if you are able to procure your own alcohol and you really

Raise a Glass

Like a Local

want to go local, chat with the folks at an area wine shop.

Not only do these vino aficionados have insider knowledge

on delicious wines at affordable prices, they can often weigh

in on other local offerings.

If you really want to show off some higher-end bottles but

also have a limited budget, the answer is portion control.

Feature that favorite spirit in a specialty cocktail and, when

guests are seated, have waiters pour small glasses of wine

and beer as a special treat to kick off dinner. Or go with this

sweet tip: Stick with cheaper products in the bar, but offer

a really great local dessert wine with the cake for a flavor

combination that guests won’t soon forget.