Function wines: know the difference between plonk and passable
Wine columnist offers tips for choosing drinks that fit your budget and won't disappoint guests
When planning a wedding, corporate event, or large gathering, selecting wine for a crowd can feel daunting. Function wines—mass-produced options meant to please most palates—have earned a reputation for being forgettable or worse. But with the right approach, you can find wines that work within your budget while still impressing guests. A Calgary Herald wine columnist shares insights on how to navigate function wine selection, emphasizing that while you do get what you pay for, smart choices matter more than price tags alone. The difference between an unmemorable bottle and a genuinely enjoyable one often comes down to knowing what to look for and avoiding obvious traps.