Adding Wine Pairings and Bar Service to Your Private Chef Experience

Private chef service delivers restaurant-quality food in your vacation rental. But what about the bar? What about wine pairings? Can you add professional beverage service to your event? Absolutely. We offer full bar service, wine pairings, and sommelier service to complement any private chef experience. Here's how beverage service works with private chef events on the Emerald Coast — from simple BYOB to full open bars with signature cocktails.

Our Bar Service Options

Marrow holds a catering liquor license, which means we can provide complete bar service for your event. You have flexibility in how you want to handle beverages. Option 1: Full-Service Bar (We Provide Everything) We supply all alcohol, mixers, garnishes, and a professional bartender. This is a true open bar experience where we handle every detail. Option 2: You Supply, We Serve You purchase your own spirits and mixers, and we provide a professional bartender to craft cocktails and manage service throughout your event. Option 3: BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) You handle beverages entirely. Purchase your own beer, wine, or spirits, and guests self-serve. Each option has different pricing, and we can help you choose the approach that fits your event and budget.

Full-Service Bar Packages

Our bar packages are priced based on the size and complexity of service you want. Beer and Wine Package The most straightforward option. We provide a selection of beer and wine, along with professional service. This package is less expensive than cocktail-focused options and works beautifully for dinners, brunches, and casual gatherings. Signature Cocktail Package A curated cocktail menu designed for your event. We provide spirits, mixers, garnishes, and a professional bartender to craft signature drinks throughout the evening. This package is ideal for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations where cocktails are a focal point. Full Open Bar Beer, wine, and a full range of spirits. Guests can order any cocktail they want, and our bartender prepares it. This is the most comprehensive option and works best for large events (50+ guests) where variety matters. All packages are priced according to guest count and event duration. Reach out during your reservation request to discuss specific pricing and options.

Wine Pairings and Sommelier Service

Wine pairings can be added to any private chef meal. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner for six or a wedding reception for 100, we offer wine service tailored to your menu. How wine pairings work: We curate wines to complement each course of your meal. Our sommelier selects varietals based on your menu, and wines are served throughout the meal. For smaller groups, the chef may pour and explain each pairing. For larger events, dedicated service staff handle wine service. Wine pairing options range from simple (one white, one red) to elaborate (a different wine for each course). Pricing depends on the wines selected and the level of service. When to add wine pairings: Intimate dinners: Wine pairings elevate the experience and create a restaurant-quality feel. Weddings and formal celebrations: Guests appreciate curated wine service that matches the formality of the event. Events where food and wine matter: If your group includes wine enthusiasts, professional pairings enhance the meal. Wine pairings are included in our Michelin-Style Tasting Menu. For all other menus, they're available as an add-on. Inquire about details when you submit your reservation request.

Special Add-On: Premium Margaritas for Tex-Mex Taco Party

If you're booking our Tex-Mex Taco Party menu, we offer a specialty add-on: house-made, fresh-squeezed premium margaritas. These aren't pre-mixed margaritas from a bottle. We make them from scratch with fresh lime juice, premium tequila, and quality triple sec. Served on the rocks, they pair perfectly with tacos, guacamole, and salsa. This add-on is priced separately and available only for the Tex-Mex Taco Party menu.

Rentals: What We Coordinate (But Don't Provide)

We handle bartending service and alcohol. We don't handle physical rentals like bar setups, glassware, or specialty equipment. What we coordinate through third-party vendors:

• Portable bars (if your venue doesn't have one)
• Cocktail glassware (wine glasses, rocks glasses, champagne flutes)

If your event requires rentals, we're happy to coordinate with local rental companies on your behalf. We'll handle the logistics so you don't have to manage multiple vendors. Rental costs are billed separately.

BYOB: The Budget-Friendly Option

If full-service bar packages don't fit your budget, BYOB is always an option. How BYOB works: You purchase your own beer, wine, or spirits and bring them to the event. Guests self-serve throughout the meal. This is the most cost-effective approach and works beautifully for intimate dinners and casual gatherings. Where to purchase wine and spirits locally: Shunk Gully Liquor Store (Santa Rosa Beach) A well-stocked shop with a solid wine and spirits selection. Staff are helpful and can guide you based on your menu. Cork and Barrel (Rosemary Beach) Curated wine selection with a focus on quality bottles. Ideal if you want recommendations for wine pairings. Chan's Wine World (WaterColor or Grand Boulevard) Large selection across all price points. Good for stocking beer, wine, and spirits for larger groups. If you're going the BYOB route, we're happy to provide pairing recommendations when we finalize your menu. Just ask, and we'll suggest wines that complement your dishes.

Adding Bartending Service (When You Provide the Alcohol)

If you want to purchase your own alcohol but still want professional bartending, we offer that option. How it works: You buy the spirits, mixers, and garnishes. We provide a professional bartender who crafts cocktails, manages the bar, and ensures guests are served throughout your event. This approach gives you control over alcohol costs while still delivering professional service. It's popular for weddings and large events where hosts want to manage the bar budget but don't want to handle service themselves. Bartending service is priced separately based on event size and duration. Inquire when you submit your reservation request.

Self-Service Beer and Wine

For smaller events where you're comfortable with BYOB, self-service works beautifully. How to set it up: Wine: Open a few bottles of red and white before guests arrive. Place them on the counter or dining table with a corkscrew nearby. We'll handle pouring during service if you'd like. Beer: Stock a cooler with ice and beer. Set it in an accessible spot (kitchen, patio, near the dining area). Guests help themselves. Glassware: Make sure your rental has enough wine glasses and beer glasses for your group. If not, let us know and we can coordinate glassware rentals. Self-service is low-maintenance and keeps costs down. It's perfect for intimate dinners, family gatherings, and events where guests are comfortable serving themselves.

Wine Pairing Recommendations for Common Menus

If you're handling wine yourself and want pairing guidance, here are recommendations for our most popular menus. Signature Private Chef Experience (Gulf seafood focus):

• Appetizer (shrimp, crab cakes): Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or sparkling wine
• Salad: Continue with white or add a light rosé
• Main (Gulf snapper, scallops): Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Viognier
• Dessert: Moscato d'Asti or dessert wine (optional)

Chophouse Dinner (Steak and seafood, family-style):

• Appetizers (oysters): Champagne, Muscadet, or dry Riesling
• Salad: Light red (Pinot Noir) or continue with white
• Main (filet mignon, scallops): Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Bordeaux blend
• Dessert: Port or bourbon

Tex-Mex Taco Party:

• Throughout meal: Mexican lager, Albariño, off-dry Riesling, or margaritas (add our premium margarita package or BYOB tequila)

Private Chef Brunch:

• Mimosas (champagne or prosecco)
• Bloody Marys (vodka, mix, garnishes)
• Coffee, juice, sparkling water

These are starting points. Your preferences matter more than rigid pairing rules.

Common Questions About Beverage Service

Do you provide non-alcoholic beverages? Non-alcoholic options (sparkling water, sodas, mocktails) are available for an additional fee. Let us know what you need when you book. Can you handle champagne toasts? Yes. We'll coordinate timing and ensure glasses are filled and ready for your toast. Champagne can be included in a bar package or purchased separately. What if we want specialty cocktails? Signature cocktails are available through our bar packages. We'll work with you to design a cocktail menu that fits your event and preferences. Do you provide ice? Ice is included with all bar packages. If you're doing BYOB, you'll need to purchase ice locally (available at most grocery stores and gas stations). Can you open wine bottles and pour for guests? For small groups (under 10), yes — we're happy to open bottles and pour during service. For larger groups, consider adding wine service or a bartender. What about beer and wine for large events? Our beer and wine package scales to any guest count. We handle procurement, service, and cleanup.

Pricing and Availability

All beverage service options — bar packages, wine pairings, bartending service, and specialty add-ons — are priced based on the size and complexity of your event. What's included in bar packages:

• All alcohol (beer, wine, spirits depending on package)
• Professional bartending service
• Mixers, garnishes, and cocktail ingredients
• Bar setup and cleanup

What's NOT included:

• Physical bar rentals (we coordinate these separately)
• Specialty glassware (we coordinate rentals if needed)
• Gratuity for bartending staff (optional)

To get specific pricing for your event, submit a reservation request and let us know what kind of beverage service you're interested in. We'll provide a detailed proposal.

Planning Your Beverage Service

Whether you want a full open bar, curated wine pairings, or simple BYOB, we'll help you design beverage service that fits your event. For intimate dinners, BYOB or wine pairings work beautifully. For weddings and large celebrations, full bar packages ensure guests are taken care of without you managing logistics. Explore our menu options to start planning your meal, or learn more about our approach to private chef service on the Emerald Coast. Reserve your experience and let us handle the food and the bar.

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Marrow Private Chefs — serving 30A, Destin, and the Emerald Coast since 2018.

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