Hosting a dinner party is more than just a meal. It's a celebration of hospitality, attention to detail and refined taste. For those planning an elegant evening at home, the right wine can turn a carefully curated menu into an unforgettable experience.
At Chapel Down, we produce a collection of still and sparkling wines in the heart of Kent. With each bottle crafted to express the best of English terroir and winemaking expertise, our wines are perfectly suited to elevated dining occasions. From aperitifs to dessert, here's how to choose the right Chapel Down wines to complement every course of your luxury dinner party.
Begin With a Sparkling Welcome
First impressions count. A welcome drink sets the tone for the evening and signals to your guests that they are in for something special. Sparkling wine is the natural choice, and Traditional Method English sparkling wine offers both finesse and provenance.
Chapel Down Brut is our signature sparkling wine and a versatile opener. Its clean profile and elegant character make it an ideal match for light canapés such as oysters, smoked salmon blinis or parmesan crisps. A glass of Brut in hand also pairs beautifully with introductions and easy conversation.
For a splash of colour and a more expressive start, consider Chapel Down Rosé. It works beautifully with canapés featuring cured meats, beetroot, or soft cheeses. Offering a vibrant palate, it brings freshness to the beginning of the evening without overpowering the flavours to come.
Starters That Shine
The first course is often light but flavourful. Think seafood, seasonal vegetables or goat's cheese. For these dishes, a still white wine with freshness and structure can lift the dish without overwhelming it.
Flint Dry 2024 is a go-to option for many elegant starters. Its style suits dishes such as seared scallops, fennel and citrus salads, or asparagus with hollandaise. Clean and well-balanced, this wine can support subtle ingredients while bringing its own character to the table.
Perfect Pairings for the Main Course
The main event deserves something memorable. Whether you're serving white meat, fish, vegetarian dishes or something richer like duck or beef, the right wine will bring harmony to the plate.
For poultry or game birds such as guinea fowl, Bacchus 2024 offers a crisp contrast. It works well with herby flavours like tarragon or sage and can handle fruit accompaniments such as apricot stuffing or redcurrant jus.
If you're serving a plant-based centrepiece like a wild mushroom Wellington or a lentil and chestnut roast, English Rosé 2024 can provide an unexpected and welcome pairing. With its clean, dry finish, it complements earthy and savoury flavours without overwhelming the dish.
Those preparing a richer main course, such as pan-seared duck breast or roast lamb, may want to lean into something with depth. Kit's Coty Chardonnay 2023 offers complexity and weight, making it a smart choice for mains that feature robust sauces or roasted root vegetables. As a single-vineyard wine from our Kit's Coty estate, it reflects a more serious expression of English still wine and brings a level of refinement to your table.
Wines for the Cheese Course
If you're following your main with a cheese board, the wine should support the variety of flavours present. Traditional choices like cheddar, brie and blue cheeses call for a wine with structure, acidity and versatility.
Flint Dry 2024 reappears here as a strong option. Its brightness cuts through creamy textures, and its balance complements both soft and hard cheeses.
For a more indulgent selection, the Premium Stills Mixed Case includes a range of wines that can accommodate the full spectrum of cheese types. Having a selection on hand allows guests to mix and match and explore pairings at their own pace.
A Sparkling Finish
Dessert is often the moment when wine pairings get overlooked, but the right bottle can end the evening on a high note. While Chapel Down does not produce a dessert wine, certain sparkling options can refresh the palate after something sweet.
Rosé Reserve 2021 brings freshness and balance, making it a beautiful match for fruit-based desserts such as strawberry pavlova, raspberry tart or a citrus drizzle cake. Its character brings elegance to the final course without clashing with sweetness.
Alternatively, for a lighter finish or a celebratory toast to round off the evening, return to Chapel Down Brut. It brings the evening full circle and creates a moment of closure.
Wine Pairings for Every Table Size
Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner for four or a full dining room of twelve, variety can make a difference. Our Still Wine Case, Mixed Celebration Case and Sparkling Best Sellers collections are designed to offer flexibility and breadth, so you can pair confidently across multiple courses without needing to overthink each bottle.
The Award Winners Case is another excellent option. Featuring some of our most highly regarded wines, it offers a curated selection for hosts looking to impress with every pour.
Add a Personalised Touch
If your dinner party is in honour of a birthday, anniversary or professional milestone, personalised bottles can add a sense of occasion. Our Personalised Brut & Gift Box and Personalised Rosé in Gift Box options allow you to add a custom name or message to the label. It's a small detail that leaves a lasting impression, especially for events where the host or guest of honour is being celebrated.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a luxury dinner party is about creating a memorable experience through thoughtful choices. From your menu to your tableware and, crucially, your wine, every element should reflect care and intention.
At Chapel Down, we produce wines that elevate the moment. Crafted in Kent and rooted in English winemaking tradition, our sparkling and still wines are made for celebration, conversation and connection. Whether you are looking to impress with a carefully paired menu or simply enjoy great wine with friends, our collection has everything you need to make your next dinner party truly exceptional.
If you would like help selecting the right wines for your event, our team is here to assist. Whatever the size, style or sentiment behind your dinner party, we're proud to be part of it.
