Wine for Every Occasion

Most wine questions start with a situation, not a grape. You're heading to a dinner party and don't know the host's taste, you're hosting Thanksgiving for people who rarely drink wine, or you want something to open when good news lands. These guides answer those questions directly: what to bring or pour, what to spend, and why it suits the moment and the people in it.

Each guide names a handful of styles you can find in most US wine shops, with a price band, a few swaps for common tastes, and short answers to the questions people actually ask. None of them assume you know much about wine.

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Wines Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon: What to Buy for Someone Who Only Drinks Cab
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Wines Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon: What to Buy for Someone Who Only Drinks Cab

Wines similar to Cabernet Sauvignon for someone who only drinks Cab: Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Ribera del Duero and Super Tuscans, with prices.

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What Wine Should I Open to Celebrate a Promotion, Besides Champagne?
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What Wine Should I Open to Celebrate a Promotion, Besides Champagne?

Champagne alternatives for celebrating a promotion or big news: Crémant, California sparkling, Franciacorta, Cava, or a special red, with prices.

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What Wine Should I Bring for Dinner at a Ski Condo or Cabin With Friends?
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What Wine Should I Bring for Dinner at a Ski Condo or Cabin With Friends?

What wine to bring for dinner at a ski condo or cabin: boxed reds, Zinfandel, Malbec, Grüner and Prosecco that travel well and suit hearty food.

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Romantic Red Wine for a First Date at Home: What Should I Serve?
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Romantic Red Wine for a First Date at Home: What Should I Serve?

Romantic red wine for a first date at home: Pinot Noir, Rioja and Merlot picks, a sparkling rosé to start, and what to pour with dessert.

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What Wine Goes With Cookies at a Holiday Dessert Night?
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What Wine Goes With Cookies at a Holiday Dessert Night?

What wine goes with cookies at a holiday dessert night: Moscato d’Asti, tawny Port, late-harvest Riesling and more, matched to each cookie.

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Appetizers for a Wine Tasting: 8 Picks and How Much to Buy
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Appetizers for a Wine Tasting: 8 Picks and How Much to Buy

The best appetizers for a wine tasting, plus exactly how much wine and food to buy per guest, the order to serve it, and the foods to keep off the table.

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Wine Tasting Party at Home: A Host's Running Order
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Wine Tasting Party at Home: A Host's Running Order

Wine tasting party planning without the stress: how many bottles for how many guests, what it costs, the pouring order and what to put out.

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What Wine Should I Serve at a Backyard Barbecue?
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What Wine Should I Serve at a Backyard Barbecue?

What wine to serve at a backyard barbecue: Zinfandel for ribs, a chilled light red, dry rosé and crisp whites, plus how to keep it cold outside.

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What Wine Should I Bring to a Dinner Party When I Don't Know the Host's Taste?
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What Wine Should I Bring to a Dinner Party When I Don't Know the Host's Taste?

What wine to bring to a dinner party when you don't know the host's taste: five safe styles with price bands, easy swaps, and a guest FAQ.

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How to Choose the Best Wine for a Dinner Party (Without the Stress)
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How to Choose the Best Wine for a Dinner Party (Without the Stress)

Choosing wine for a dinner party doesn't have to be stressful. Learn how to pick crowd-pleasing bottles for every course, budget, and guest preference.

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What Wine Should I Serve at Thanksgiving When Most of My Guests Aren't Wine People?
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What Wine Should I Serve at Thanksgiving When Most of My Guests Aren't Wine People?

What wine to serve at Thanksgiving when most guests aren't wine people: five easy styles, swaps by taste, and how much to buy for 10.

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