Don't Be Afraid of the Wine Aisle

You’re standing there, wide-eyed, as a long row of bottles stretches in front of you. The labels don’t help. Hell, half of them are in other languages – though what’s on the ones in English isn’t all that much more illuminating, anyway. The questions run through your head: do I want a white? Is sparkling better? Should I get a Chardonnay? A Pinot Gris? Is California the best wine producer? Is French too expensive? Is this local one any good? The answer is yes. And no. Wine appreciation is all about what you like. You just need to know how to find it. Here’s how.








Try as many as you can. Since wine appreciation has become so big, most decent liquor stores have implemented tasting programs. Check with your local ones. Many do a weekly tasting of a handful of bottles, either in the evening on a workday or in the afternoon on a weekend, and often with someone from the vineyard. Take home a bottle of one that you like, then take notes on where it comes from, what you like about it and the price.

Talk to the experts. The people who work in nicer liquor stores and boutique wine shops love to talk shop. If you’re new to the game, tell them what you’re eating, or under what circumstances you’re going to drink it (Going to a party? Grilling salmon for dinner? Looking for something for an afternoon picnic?). If you know a bit about what you like already, be more specific: “I’m looking for a lighter red under $15,” or “I love Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Can you recommend something similar?”

Be afraid of commitment. One of the best ways to learn the differences between wines is to order a flight: smaller pours of several complementary bottles, generally for the price of one glass.  Fleming’s Steakhouse offers 100 wines by the glass and the ability to build your own flight (or, better, let the server do it for you). Wine bars often offer pours of 1oz, 2oz, 3oz (half-glass) and 6oz (full glass). Sip your way through several until you find one you really love.

Want to learn more about wine? Here's more from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.