Weddings & wedding planners
Villa or private estate wedding: how to manage wine without an on-site license
The majority of villas, bastides, and private estates rented for a wedding on the Côte d'Azur do not hold a liquor license. This determines how the wine is supplied.
The legal framework
The villa owner cannot sell or invoice alcohol. The wine must be supplied either by the caterer (who re-invoices their purchases) or directly by the client from a licensed wine merchant.
Purchasing via a wine merchant
The client purchases the wines from a wine merchant and provides them to the caterer for service. This solution offers more choice and often a better price than going through the caterer.
Delivery and on-site storage
The wine merchant delivers directly to the villa. A cool storage space must be identified in advance (pantry, cold room, basement).
Coordination with the wedding planner
The wedding planner serves as the single point of contact between the wine merchant, the caterer, and the venue. A shared timeline prevents delivery delays.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the villa prohibit bringing in wine?
- Some rental agreements state this. This point should be checked in the rental contract before ordering.
- Is a declaration at the town hall required?
- No for a private event with a restricted guest list. A declaration is required only for a temporary liquor license open to the public.
- What volume can be legally delivered?
- There is no limit for an individual receiving a delivery from a duly registered French wine merchant.