RECOMMENDED SUPPLIERS · WINE & HOSPITALITY
Wedding wines with Colby Wines.
Good food, lovely wine and people enjoying themselves. A little introduction to Darren, and a few things worth asking when you’re planning the drinks for your wedding.
Darren at Colby Wines.
Meet Darren.
I’ve worked with Darren at several events now, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him and what he does. He’s a trained sommelier, and it’s lovely hearing him explain where a wine comes from, how it’s made and why it works with the food in front of you.
I’ve seen him work with chefs to bring those food and wine pairings together, turning a meal into something people can enjoy and learn about at the same time. I’ve certainly enjoyed the education. Purely professional development, of course.
Darren sharing the stories behind the wine.
Making the wine part of your day.
Colby Wines offers wedding wine selection and food pairings, with tastings to help you explore what you enjoy. Whether food and wine are a big part of your plans or you’d simply appreciate some help choosing, Darren is a lovely person to talk to.
I’d start with the feeling you want around the table. A relaxed feast? A wedding breakfast where the food and wine are part of the occasion? Take that, your menu and your venue arrangements to Darren. You don’t need to arrive with a list of grapes. Unless, of course, you already have one.
When the food and wine come together.
Darren keeping the conversation—and the wine—flowing.
A little of the story behind the wine.
Something good to share around the table.
Four things to ask before choosing your wedding wines.
Can we bring our own wine?
Ask your venue about outside wine and any corkage or service charges. Bringing your own can still work out as good value, depending on the wine and the fees. Compare the whole cost and the service included, then choose what works for your day.
Can we taste it alongside our menu?
Ask Darren how a tasting could work around your actual food choices. Share your preferences, budget and any alcohol-free requirements at the outset.
Who handles the practical details?
Start with a conversation with Darren and your venue. You might only want help choosing and supplying the wine, or you may like him to host more of the experience: pouring, chatting with guests or sharing the stories behind the wines. Talk through delivery, storage, chilling, glassware and service together, so the right people are looking after each part.
What happens to anything left over?
If a few bottles survive the celebrations, I’m sure you’ll find a good occasion for them. Have a chat with Darren about keeping them or arranging returns, and agree any storage with your venue. A little something for an anniversary dinner, perhaps?
Finishing on a sweet note.
Here’s to a lovely celebration.
Talk wedding wines with Darren.
Explore Colby Wines’ wedding service and speak to Darren about your menu, venue and plans.
And who will capture your day?
If you’re drawn to photographs and films that keep the feeling of your celebration, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
For the people creating the occasion.
If you run a restaurant, venue or events business and would like photographs of your own work, I’d love to hear what you’re planning. The people behind an experience deserve to be seen too.