Champagne vs. Wine

I host a lot of events and I've found that most people don't drink champagne if something else is available, so I wouldn't worry about that. Maybe some prosecco if you really want something bubbly to toast with.

As to wine recommendations, I'll leave that to the more experienced as I can't drink wine anymore ;_;

Chardonnay, Malbec, are basic ones.
I agree not many will have champagne, but a cava or prosecco are good alternatives for budget reasons.

I prefer a sauvignon blanc over chardonnay. Some chardonnays are heavily oaky flavoured with not everyone loves. If you like a sweeter wine, a reisling may be to your liking, but again some people may prefer a dryer wine.

If I'm only doing wine and beer I tend to do a Chardonnay and a Cabernet. I would shy away from champagne for a big group just because of the sheer expense versus appreciation. Not many people will reach for champagne if given other options. I'd have a prosecco or cava on hand for something bubbly.

How many varieties of red and white are you planning on? Just one of each?

I’d either do a Sauv Blanc or a Riesling for your white. And for red either a Cabernet or a blend is always a good option!

White: Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay
Red: Cabernet and Pinot Noir
Maybe offer rosé as well since it is popular right now.

I agree with pp about champagne vs. prosecco.

All I drink is champagne and other bubbly's, as do my friends. There are a variety of kinds - they run from super sweet to nice and dry. "Brut" signifies that a champagne is dry, so if you're looking for something on the sweeter end, you'll want a "demi-sec" variety.

While I personally love sparkling wine, I recognize that it can be a budget- breaker for a wedding, as a toast can be made with any beverage (alcoholic or not). We're just planning on wine and beer for our reception. My advice would be to have a variety of wines (not just sweet as your personally prefer). Sangria is already a sweet option, maybe consider a dry white (sav blanc or pinot grigio) and also possibly a dry red (pinot noir, malbec, merlot, or red zin).

I'd recommend getting a couple white wines (like pinot grigio and chardonnay) and a couple red wines (like cabernet and merlot). Maybe a sweet one in there too (like reisling or moscato). As far as champagne, I LOVE Cook's (the green label one, I think extra brut... which is ironic because I usually prefer sweeter and brut would imply dry, but whatever, haha)

Costco brand Prosecco is amazing if you go that route. I'm a fairly dedicated wine drinker but HATE Chardonnay and sweet whites so I'd offer a Riesling and a Pinot Grigio for white and a Cabernet and Merlot or Pinot Noir for red. That way you get a decent variety.