Parties are some of life’s greatest joys, and no, I’m not talking about those awkward ragers from college. Gathering with friends for food and drinks has a magical effect—especially during this time of year. A holiday party is one of the few kinds that usually calls for guests to bring a bottle of wine. Dinner parties are another occasion where you’ll likely be put into this situation. When either occurs, you want to be ready with a good, no, great choice.

Deciding on what kind of wine to bring can feel like a daunting task. With a room full of guests and mixed palettes and taste preferences, narrowing down the best wine for a party isn’t easy. This isn’t the time to be biased and simply choose a wine that you love. Instead, you need to choose a crowd-pleaser—but that doesn’t mean it has to be cheap or mass-produced.

Choosing the right bottle should come down to a wine that’s food-friendly, easy-going, adaptable, but still interesting. Luckily, there are lots of luxe styles that fit that lineup, including bubbles. To help guide you, we’ve compiled a list of the best wines to bring to a party that will pleasantly surprise a room full of guests.

White Wines

Sancerre

Sancerre has had quite the glow-up in the last few years. Hailing from the Loire Valley region of France, it exhibits a softer, more savory side of Sauvignon Blanc and is beloved for its mineral and clean taste. It’s crisp and refreshing without being too zippy and is generally nicely balanced, making it an ideal choice for cocktail parties with light fare and easygoing brunches.

Sonoma Chardonnay

Most people have a love-hate relationship with California Chardonnay. While the widely known style is famous for its buttery and rich taste, the wines of Sonoma sing a different tune. The region is vast and includes distinct areas, but Chardonnay from this part of California is highly aromatic and full of lush fruit—think peaches, green apples, and honeydew—that’s complemented by subtle hints of oak and spice. It’s the perfect pairing for cheese boards and crudités.

Red Wines

Burgundy

You can’t go wrong with Pinot Noir at a party, and particularly so with Burgundy. Some of the most expensive wines hail from this region, and many are also some of the most food-friendly. With a Burgundy, you’re going to get the full taste of the fruit muddled with herbaceous and earthy aromas and a smooth finish that isn’t dry or off-putting. They’re great with meats and poultry but are also light enough to pair with hearty fishes and tangy vinaigrettes.

Red Blend

The red blend category is sort of like the wild, wild west of red wine, and I’ll admit it is a little vague. The truth is there are lots of famous red blend wines, like Bordeaux, Super Tuscans, and California styles. However, it’s that kind of variation that makes them ideal for parties. Red blends combine the best qualities of red grapes to create a wine that’s bold, flavorful, juicy, and most often smooth and easy to drink. It’s the perfect choice for guests who prefer red to white or want a fuller taste than Pinot Noir.

Other Wines

Prosecco

Champagne isn’t for everyone, so bringing it for a crowd may not be the best idea. Prosecco offers a similar celebratory feeling but has a brighter taste that can appease a diverse group of palates. It’s also much more affordable than Champs, so you can spring for the highest quality. When heading to a party, a brut style that’s crisp and slightly dry works best for sipping, snacking, and toasting.

Rosé
Rosé at a party of any sort is a no-brainer. With a wide selection of flavor profiles and interesting nuances, it’s one of the few wines that never seems to disappoint, from appetizers to dinner and casual sipping afterward. There are lots of styles to choose from, but a medium-dry option tends to be the most beloved for gatherings.