There is something special about ordering a bottle of wine for the table.
Maybe it's the anticipation of choosing the right one.
Maybe it's pouring the first glass for someone sitting beside you.
Or maybe it's simply the fact that a bottle encourages everyone to slow down, share, and enjoy the evening together. At Sedona Restaurant Bar in Bethany Beach, we believe wine is more than something to accompany dinner. The right bottle can become part of the experience.
Whether you're enjoying dinner with family, catching up with old friends, or celebrating a special occasion, sharing a bottle creates a natural rhythm to the evening.
So how do you choose the right wine?
Let's start with the food.
Why Order a Bottle Instead of a Glass?
When you're dining with a group, a bottle gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy the same wine throughout the meal.
It becomes part of the conversation.
Someone pours a glass.
Someone takes a sip.
Someone comments on the flavor.
And before you know it, the bottle has become another part of the evening.
A bottle also gives you the opportunity to choose a wine specifically around the food you're ordering.
That's where the fun really begins.
Seafood and White Wine: A Natural Pairing
Bethany Beach and seafood go together.
And when you're enjoying fresh seafood, a crisp, well-balanced white wine can be an excellent complement.
Fresh Catch of the Day + Sauvignon Blanc
Our Fresh Catch of the Day is finished with Lemon Butter Sauce and Mango Salsa, creating a combination of delicate seafood, citrus, richness, and bright fruit.
A Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent match.
Its refreshing acidity can balance the richness of the lemon butter while complementing the bright flavors of the mango salsa.
It's a pairing that feels naturally suited to a summer evening at the beach
Maryland Crab Cakes + White Burgundy or Chardonnay
Few dishes say Maryland quite like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
Our Maryland-style crab cakes are packed with jumbo lump crab and served with Champagne Butter.
For this dish, consider a Chardonnay or a crisp White Burgundy.
The richness of the wine complements the crab and Champagne Butter, while the wine's acidity helps keep the pairing fresh rather than heavy.
It's a classic combination for a coastal dinner.
Pan Seared Duck Breast + Cabernet Sauvignon
Now we're moving into richer territory.
Duck Breast has a naturally rich flavor that calls for a wine with structure.
A Cabernet Sauvignon can be an excellent choice.
The bold character of Cabernet pairs beautifully with the richness of lamb, while its structure provides enough presence to stand alongside the dish.
Add our Blueberry Red Wine reduction sauce to the equation, and you have an interesting contrast between richness, freshness, and the darker fruit characteristics of the wine.
This is the kind of pairing that makes dinner feel like an occasion.
Garlic Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon + Cabernet Sauvignon
For a classic pairing, it's hard to go wrong with Garlic Peppercorn Filet Mignon and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A full-bodied Cabernet has the structure and depth to complement the richness of the beef.
And there's another reason the pairing works:
The bold character of the wine stands up beautifully to the garlic and pepper combo.
If you're ordering prime rib for the table, this is a bottle worth considering.
Braised Beef Rib + Pinot Noir
Here's where things get interesting.
Our Braised Beef Ribs are slow-braised in a rich Pinot Noir broth with cracked black pepper and thyme, served with Gruyère mashed potatoes.
One of the most natural pairings is Pinot Noir.
The wine's bright acidity and earthy character complement the slow-braised beef without overpowering it.
Because the short ribs are already prepared with Pinot Noir, the pairing creates a beautiful connection between what's in the glass and what's on the plate.
It's a thoughtful choice for a cozy evening.
Pork T-Bone + Pinot Noir
Our Pan Seared Pork T-Bone brings together savory pork, roasted peaches, and onions.
For this dish, consider a Pinot Noir.
Its balance of fruit, acidity, and earthiness works beautifully with pork, while the fruit-forward character can complement the roasted peaches.
It's a pairing that brings both savory and sweet elements together.
Shrimp Pappardelle + Chardonnay
Comfort food and wine can be a wonderful combination.
Our Shrimp Pappardelle features jumbo shrimp tossed with wide pappardelle pasta in a creamy Tomato Basil Sauce.
A Chardonnay can work particularly well here.
The wine's body complements the creamy sauce, while its acidity keeps the combination from becoming too heavy.
It's a great option for guests who prefer a richer pasta dish but still want a wine that feels elegant.
What About Red Wine With Seafood?
Absolutely.
Wine pairing doesn't have to follow strict rules.
If you love red wine, you should enjoy red wine.
A lighter Pinot Noir, for example, can work beautifully with richer seafood dishes, especially salmon, shellfish, or dishes with earthy and savory components.
The best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy drinking.
Wine should enhance dinner—not make it complicated.
Don't Forget the Beginning of the Meal
Wine doesn't have to wait until the entrées arrive.
A bottle of Sparkling Wine can be a wonderful way to begin a celebration.
It's especially appropriate for anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, or any evening that deserves a toast.
And if your table prefers cocktails, there's always the option of beginning at our cozy bar before settling in for dinner.
An All Natural Orange Crush.
A Sedona Sangria.
A Guava Cosmo.
Then perhaps transitioning to a bottle of wine once everyone sits down.
There are no rules against enjoying both.
The Best Wine Pairing Is the One You Share
At the end of the day, wine is about more than pairing charts.
It's about people.
It's the bottle opened for a birthday.
The bottle shared during a family vacation.
The bottle ordered when old friends finally get together.
The bottle that somehow disappears while everyone is talking and laughing.
Those are the moments that make dining memorable.
So the next time you're joining us at Sedona, consider ordering a bottle for the table.
Choose something that complements your meal.
Pour a glass for the person sitting beside you.
Raise it to the people you're with.
And let the evening take its time.
Because sometimes the best thing on the table isn't what's on the plate.
It's who's sitting around it.
Wine Pairing Quick Guide
Fresh Catch of the Day → Sauvignon Blanc
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes → Chardonnay or White Burgundy
Pan Seared Duck Breast → Cabernet Sauvignon
Garlic Pepper Filet Mignonv → Cabernet Sauvignon
Braised Beef Rib → Pinot Noir
Pan Seared Pork T-Bone → Pinot Noir
Shrimp Pappardelle → Chardonnay
Celebration or Toast → Sparkling Wine
And if you're not sure what to choose, ask your server for a recommendation. The best wine pairing is one that complements both your meal and your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ordering a bottle of wine better than ordering individual glasses?
For a group sharing dinner, a bottle can be a wonderful way to enjoy the same wine throughout the meal and create a more communal experience.
What white wine pairs well with seafood?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are excellent starting points. Sauvignon Blanc works especially well with lighter, citrus-forward seafood, while Chardonnay can complement richer preparations and butter-based sauces.
What red wine pairs well with beef?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for rich beef dishes such as prime rib and short ribs.
What wine pairs well with crab cakes?
Chardonnay or White Burgundy can complement the sweetness of jumbo lump crab while working nicely with richer sauces.
What wine pairs well with pork?
Pinot Noir is a versatile choice with pork, particularly when the dish includes fruit such as roasted peaches.
Can I ask Sedona's team for a wine recommendation?
Absolutely. If you're unsure which bottle will work best with your meal, ask your server. Your personal taste is always an important part of choosing the right wine.