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FILL UP THE FRIDGE – 12 BOTTLES FOR £85

person. There will always be people who are not drinking, and several who may be driving. If your party goes on until late, the serious drinkers may manage a whole bottle per person. Sale or return is the key to getting the quantities right and make sure the caterer opens wines only when they are needed, so that extras can be sent back.

In this almost post-pandemic era, weddings are definitely smaller in size but there are a lot more of them. “We are seeing weddings happen every day of the week,” adds Peter Fawcett. “They are no longer weekend affairs.”

Wine comes in handy for wedding present lists too. At Firth & Co, in Northallerton, Andrew Firth is happy to arrange tastings for the bride and groom, not just for the actual day, but for the wedding present list. “We have some customers who don’t want to be given casserole dishes and clocks, they want a really good stock of wine to start their married life.” Some guests might give a case of Côtes du Rhône for everyday drinking, but magnums of vintage champagne can also be put into the cellar.

“When the wines are ordered everyone adds a special message which we write on to a gift tag around the neck of the bottles, so the happy couple can think about the person who gave it when they open the bottle.”

What should you actually choose for the wedding? There has to be fizz and depending on the budget it can be anything from prosecco to champagne. English fizz is perfect for an English summer wedding. Try Nyetimber Classic Cuvée (Field & Fawcett, £31.95) for one of the best, with fresh apple aromas, a touch of brioche and a fresh English garden finish.

Champagne is not always the most expensive choice. Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut is remarkably good and, at £12.99, it tastes several times above its price point.

Have some rosé on the tables for a summer wedding. It will accompany all kinds of food from canapés to fish and chicken, and it will be delicious as the sun goes down and the band strikes up. Simpson Estate Pinot Noir 2020 (Waitrose, £14.99) is full of fresh strawberry and nectarine fruit flavours, while Mirabeau Pure 2020, in magnums (Majestic, £33.99) looks and tastes terrific.

And what will we be drinking on the big day? I have no idea. The bride has changed her mind twice today.

In hot weather even red wines deserve a little time in the fridge, just to give them an edge of chill. This collection of wines can go in the fridge, the whites and rosé for a little longer than the reds, and then you will have the ideal selection to see you through from aperitifs to main course.

This 12-bottle case should cost £114.88 but the Yorkshire Post price is just £85.

Delivery costs £9.95 for a single case but if you order two cases to the same address, it is free.

How to order online: Just google “Yorkshire Post Wine Club” and the offer pops up or go to www.houseoftownend. com/yorkshire-post-wine-club.

You can also ring our order line on 01482 638888, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Outside this time, leave a message including your telephone number and we will ring you back.

There are 12 bottles in this case, two each of:

Sparkling: Jules Larose Blanc de Blanc Brut NV – a perfect aperitif.

White: Coroa D’Ouro Blanc 2019, Douro Valley – pear, melon and a hint of herbs; Coquille de Mer Vermentino 2020 – crisp pear and citrus fruit, totally delicious, especially with fish.

Rosé: Rioja Rosado 2019, Bodegas Bagordi, Spain – sunshine sipping, or team it with salads.

Red: Grenache 223, 2020, De Visu, Languedoc, France – ripe, juicy, red berry fruit; Syrah 2018, Paparuda, Romania – dark cherry and spiced blackberry fruit.