Finding the perfect wine for an aperitif, a dinner party, or a relaxed early evening drink can be easier said than done. Whether you are hosting friends, preparing an apéritif dinatoire, or looking for a bottle to enjoy with snacks and sharing plates, choosing a wine that everyone will love – while staying within budget – can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to discover delicious, versatile wines that are perfect for entertaining. From crisp white wines and refreshing rosés to light reds and sparkling wines, there are plenty of affordable bottles that offer great taste, excellent value and effortless food pairings.

Sparkling wines that bring glamour to any evening

Crémant de Loire from Arnaud Lambert: This sparkling wine is the definition of why bubbles should not just be reserved for grand celebrations. And Arnaud Lambert, a Saumur winemaker, would not disagree, having created this delightful blend, consisting of 90% Chenin enriched with Chardonnay. It’s fruity, round, with plentiful bubbles.

• Pairing suggestions: The mouthwatering palate lends itself to be paired with chicken skewers or large prawns dipped in a cream and chive. But this sparkling wine also holds its own and can be savoured at the start of any evening as a welcome drink.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €14.50

Poiré Authentique by Eric Bordelet: At the risk of surprising you, this is not wine but a perry, a cider made with pears. Those that go into this bottle are grown by a former sommelier who prefers plot-by-plot vinification aimed at showing off his terroirs. While this is a medium-dry perry, it nevertheless reveals a lovely freshness, ideal as an aperitif. Psst, it’s also available in a magnum if you’re organising a larger get-together.

• Pairing suggestions: Goat’s cheese crostini with a drizzle of honey, thyme, and cracked black pepper, smoked trout blinis with crème fraîche and chives, and toasted baguette with sliced pear, walnuts and honey.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €12

Whites wines for every soirée

Alsace Riesling Les Eléments from Bott-Geyl: An excellent introduction to the rigorous savoir-faire of the generous Jean-Christophe Bott, the Les Eléments range is exemplified here through this Riesling, carefully cultivated using organic and biodynamic principles. It is a refreshing, elegant wine with acidity, minerality, and citrus fruits aromas.

• Pairing suggestions: Mineral but not without character, the wine seems soft and smooth that would pair well with a huge platter of seafood, the local dish of flammekueche or fresh goat’s cheese tarts.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €18

Muscadet-Sèvres-et-Maine Le Verger from Luneau-Papin: Here is an estate whose reputation is well-established in this appellation, which has been experiencing a certain revival in recent years. The family who owns the estate has been cultivating vines since the 17th century and works in a way to allow the terroir to speak for itself. A fine ambition that resonates in this single-vineyard wine aged on its lees for seven months; a step that imparts softness and a subtle richness to the overall very mineral profile with refreshing natural acidity. Something to awaken the taste buds…

• Pairing suggestions: There’s no point reinventing the wheel here. It’s seafood all the way for this wine! Possible options include shrimp tacos, Japanese scallop crudo and oysters. The sharpness of the wine will cut through the richness of the shellfish.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €13.50

Vin de France Les Agudes from Mas del Perié: It is always nice to discover the work of young rising figures and, even more so, those from less sought-after appellations. Let’s head to the South West France to discover the work of Fabien Jouves who offers a generous blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, Chardonnay and Sémillon Blanc that express themselves in a round, fruity wine, embellished by some honeyed notes and animated by a straight minerality. A perfectly balanced wine.

• Pairing suggestions: A savoury cake or muffin with a touch of sweetness, rich in cheese and garnished with green olives or green asparagus whose bitterness will respond to the bitters in the wine’s finish.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €11.90

Ideal rosés for any aperitif

Méditerranée from Domaine des Triennes: A trio of winemakers is behind this wine, including the famous Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Its pale rose colour introduces a nose carried by the freshness of citrus fruits, the acidulous crunch of red fruits and the delicacy of floral notes.

• Pairing suggestions: Whip up some bruschetta with pesto and goat’s cheese.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €9.90

Côtes-de-Provence Corail from Château de Roquefort: Another rose, a different style. This is crafted from grape varieties suitable for making fine red wines. Capable of being served alongside food, this intensely fruity wine, flavourful, dense and persistent, deserves to be tasted after a lighter rose.

• Pairing suggestions: A good country loaf and a spread of chilled goat’s cheese, sweet chorizo and sun-dried tomatoes.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €13

Red wines to bring depth to any pre-dinner drink

Côtes-du-Marmandais Le vin est une fête from Elian Da Ros: Here is a wine whose name – wine is a party – will surely liven up your evening! A highly flavourful wine full of fruit and high flavourful, it is made from a rare local variety: Abouriou.

• Pairing suggestions: Opt for an array of charcuterie whose fat will go wonderfully with the fluid texture of this mouthwatering wine.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €13

Le Luquet from La Closerie des Moussis: This is a small estate certified biodynamic in Haut-Médoc run by two very talented women crafting superb wines that are delicate and easy-drinking. This Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh and graceful, full of blackcurrant, blackberry, and  black cherry flavours with silky tannins and bright acidity.

• Pairing suggestions: Mushroom pâté on grilled sourdough, aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty and young Manchego, roasted beetroot and hazelnut salad, and beef carpaccio with shaved Parmesan.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €16

Bourgueil Avis de Vin Fort from Catherine et Pierre Breton: The bottle’s beautiful label reveals the producers’ play on words. Pride of place is given to Cabernet Franc, a variety typical of the appellation and the Loire Valley, which was cultivated with organic and biodynamic principles and then vinified in a low-intervention manner. The result is its soft texture and, above all else, great sapidity.

• Pairing suggestions: Grilled portobello mushroom skewers, wild mushroom tarts, mini lamb kofta with mint yogurt and beef tartare.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €12

Cahors Le Pur Fruit du Causse from Château Combel La Serre: Back in the vast South West France region where we absolutely must unveil this little fruity explosion which, matured in cement vats, offers a deliciousness that is out of this world.

• Pairing suggestions: Pastries with tapenade or prunes wrapped in bacon.
• And it’s iDealwine price? €10

We hope you have a wonderful time with the friends and family you invited for an aperitif or a lazy, grazing dinner/drink. If you are still unsure, there’s our iDealwine Favourites selection which is full of wines we choose time and time again.