Perfect Wedding Wines at Northern Ireland’s Luxury Venue – Larchfield Estate With Guest Blog by Mark Jefferson

At Larchfield Estate we are unique in that couples are given the option of either booking our Stress Less Package (with drinks included) or if you wish to have complete freedom to personalise your day you can bring in your wines corkage free. This makes a HUGE difference to the bottom line. We also have a trusted wine merchant and connoisseur - Mark Jefferson of Mark Jefferson Wines whom supplies wines to the trade throughout Northern Ireland. If you wish to personalise your wines for your wedding at Larchfield Estate you can taste, order and buy on sale or return through us... even better at the fraction of the cost of the same wines in most other Wedding Venues and Hotels. In this weeks guest blog Mark shares his thoughts on wines that hit all the right notes for your wedding at Larchfield Estate...

Wedding Wines

By Mark Jefferson Wines – in partnership with Larchfield Estate

First things first – congratulations! You’re one step closer to celebrating one of the most unforgettable days of your life. And to top it all off, you’ve chosen a wedding venue that effortlessly combines heritage charm, natural beauty, and luxurious convenience – Larchfield Estate in County Down. With your dream venue sorted, it’s time to relax and enjoy the planning process. Trust me: compared to guest lists and seating plans, choosing your wedding wines should be the fun part.

But where do you begin?

Let’s Keep Wine Simple (and Enjoyable)

Like many hobbies (we’re looking at you, golf), the world of wine can seem intimidating thanks to the jargon. From “gravelly terroir” to “carbonic maceration,” it’s easy to get lost in terminology. But don’t let wine snobs get in your head. Whether you’re planning a luxury wedding at Larchfield Estate or an intimate celebration at The Old Piggery, the key to wine selection is simple: Does it taste great? Will my guests enjoy it?

Start With What You Love

It’s your wedding – your celebration – so start with wines you genuinely love. Still a fan of classic oaky Rioja? Go for it. Secretly obsessed with buttery Chardonnay? You’re not alone. Don’t feel pressured into trendy choices or obscure varietals just to impress. Choose what you’d love to raise a glass of on your special day at Larchfield Estate.

Will Everyone Else Like It Too?

Chances are, if it suits your taste, your guests will love it too. But for larger weddings – particularly those held in a venue as versatile as Larchfield Estate – it’s worth thinking seasonally:

Wines for Summer Weddings in Northern Ireland

Opt for fresh, crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A dry rosé also works beautifully – especially in Larchfield Estate’s sun-dappled courtyard or garden ceremony spaces. For reds, consider Pinot Noir or Gamay, both light-bodied and best served slightly chilled.

Winter Weddings at Larchfield Estate

Think warm and cosy (a bit like the venue!) . Rich whites like Viognier or oaked Chardonnay offer comfort, while full-bodied reds like Shiraz, Grenache, or Rioja will warm hearts and pair perfectly with winter feasts in the estate’s beautifully restored barn venue.

Food Pairings – Don’t Overthink It

Perfect wine and food pairings are a myth. Trying to find a match for every menu option – chicken, salmon, beef, vegetarian – can quickly spiral. Instead, opt for versatile, crowd-pleasing wines. For whites, focus on crisp and refreshing styles. For reds, mid-weight, soft-tannin wines like Merlot or Pinot Noir offer broad appeal.

Make It a Full Wedding Weekend at Larchfield Estate

If you’d like to take your wine journey one step further, why not turn your wedding into a full celebration weekend with our Special Celebrations package at The Old Piggery or with our Two Day Wedding Package? It’s the perfect way to gather your closest family and friends the night before your big day for an intimate and relaxed evening. Imagine unwinding in the beautiful walled gardens with a curated wine tasting hosted by yours truly – Mark Jefferson Wines – paired with delicious canapés or nibbles from one of Larchfield Estate's trusted caterers.

It’s a memorable way to ease into your wedding with good company, great food, and of course, the perfect wines. With no corkage fees and charming onsite accommodation for up to 42 guests, it’s an experience designed to set the tone for the celebrations ahead.

And if that sounds like your ideal start, our Special Celebrations at The Old Piggery package gives you exclusive access to this beautiful space. With expert coordination from the Larchfield team, a seamless connection to high-quality local suppliers, and the option to tailor your evening just the way you’d like it, it’s the ultimate pre-wedding warm-up.

Need Help Choosing Your Wines?

Still unsure? Don’t worry – the team at Larchfield Estate is always on hand to guide you, and I’m also happy to assist with personalised recommendations based on your menu, theme, and season. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or a micro-wedding, you’ll find everything you need at LarchfieldEstate.co.uk to make it utterly unforgettable.

Cheers to your perfect day – and your (almost) perfect wines.

– Mark Jefferson Wines

Photo Credits: Lead Photo LIT photography NI - Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer, Other photos as named: Agape Photography, Sharon Kee Photography, Francis Meaney Photography