Wedding Wine Guide Q&A with Sarah Knowles part three!
Sarah Knowles MW joined The Wine Society in March 2014 and passed her Masters of Wine qualification in 2015. She is responsible for Champagne, North America and Italy, as well as overseeing the portfolio of sparkling wines and spirits; so, there really is no better person to be advising you and answering all of your wedding questions? Red or white for a meat course? Wine or Champagne for your wedding toast? Here's the final part in our three-part guide, providing you with all you need to know about wedding wine...
How can you make more sustainable choices? Sustainability is important but making the most sustainable choice for your wedding can be hard. Small things you could do are look to wines in lighter weight bottles, or wines that have been bottled in the UK, both of which will have saving CO emissions in transport and manufacture.
Choosing reputable growers, may also ensure that you are selecting with winemakers that care deeply for their team and are fair employers.
Some regions are also better certified than others with 90+% of New Zealand's wines being certified as produced sustainably. Though the wines have travelled a long way, they are shipped by a large sea container these wines although travelled along way are not actually as bad in CO emissions as you might think.
Most wines from Italy are also shipped by train, which offers a significant carbon saving compared to road freight, whereas, of course, choosing "local" wines from our great English selection could also help from a sustainability position.
What makes the best wedding gift? I have often given friends and family a case of Champagne for their wedding, with a card that I once received that said that "you need to keep a bottle of Champagne in the fridge at all times so that when you next have a moment to celebrate the bubbles are already chilled!"
I so loved the idea, that I stole this sentiment and have used it many times, sometimes also sending half bottles, cases of sparkling wine, or the couples' own fizz if I have known it (so that it's their 'special' wedding wine).
Wine and spirits can also be a great gift for family and friends who have helped particularly towards your big day. The right bottle of malt whisky, gin, rosé, chardonnay, or pinot for the right person can show that you have taken note of their favourite tipple and thought of them on your big day, also giving them something to take away and toast you with at a later date.
Wedding favours can be a minefield, but have you thought about making your own sloe gin or rhubarb vodka...?
Finally, a thoughtful gift for the couple in question, or key family members, might be a membership to The Wine Society - £40 for a lifetime share, with £20 credit off their first purchase, it is something longer term that might really hit the spot.
What can you serve for guests who do not drink alcohol? There are non-alcoholic wines now available – we list a great sparkling one from the producers of our Society's Champagne.
However, think about cloudy apple juices, or elderflower cordials, perhaps put out a tray of fancy softs (e.g. San Pellegrino) or flavoured tonic waters.
A simple way to offer an Instagram-ready soft is to add a signature garnish to beautiful jugs or carafes of iced water such as pink grapefruit, lemon and blood orange slices, springs of mint and pomegranate seeds, wild rosemary, cucumber slices or summer red berries. And don't forget tea and coffee....
New app launches to simplify one of marriage’s biggest admin headaches
Changing your name after marriage can mean updating details with countless organisations, from banks and subscriptions to official documents and employers. New app Name Change Navigator aims to make the process easier, guiding newlyweds through each step from one platform. Founded by Rebecca Dainton, Head of Product at Flutter UK & Ireland, the app was created to reduce the stress and mental load associated with name changes. It supports a range of naming journeys, including traditional surname changes, double-barrelling, blended surnames and other choices following marriage, civil partnership, divorce or personal identity changes. The launch comes as younger generations increasingly rethink traditional naming conventions, with technology offering a more streamlined approach to this often-overlooked part of newlywed life.
READ ARTICLE
The Hoddington Arms Triumphs After Summer Reopening
Hampshire gastropub The Hoddington Arms has made a triumphant comeback, securing an impressive haul of industry accolades for both its food and boutique accommodation just months after a devastating fire. Known locally as The Hodd, the characterful Grade II-listed country pub which has been meticulously revived, elevating its historic charm, has now secured an AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence, Two AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide recognition, Four Gold Stars for accommodation in the AA Inns category, and a 9/10 food score in The Times' 24 Best New Hotels in the UK for its five-room boutique stay, The Hideaway, all since reopening this summer.
READ ARTICLE
Countdown to County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse
We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 20th September ! It's one of four Signature Wedding Show of 2026's Autumn wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. The event brings couples in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
READ ARTICLE
Brits are swapping the 'big day' for the 'right day' as searches for intimate wedding venues soar
Couples are increasingly choosing quality time over large guest lists, with new search data revealing a growing demand for intimate weddings and stylish registry office ceremonies. According to Google search data analysed by Suit Direct, searches for "small intimate wedding venues near me" have increased by 86% year-on-year, while interest in "micro wedding packages" has risen 23% over the past three months, suggesting more couples are opting for meaningful celebrations that prioritise the experience over extravagance. For many, the legal ceremony is no longer just the paperwork before the "real" wedding. Instead, couples are dressing for the occasion, hiring photographers and celebrating afterwards with an intimate meal or party, proving you don't need a 200-person guest list to make the day feel special.
