how to get "into" wine
Whenever someone asks me what my go-to drink is, my most common response is wine. Don't get me wrong...I love a cold beer or a great cocktail. But there's just something about wine.
Over Thanksgiving, we were sitting around the chiminea and chatting. My sister-in-law, who is quite possibly one of the sweetest people in the world, said that she's tried to get "into" wine, but she feels like she doesn't know how to enjoy it. My sister immediately pips in and said she doesn't care if she knows anything about it...she likes that it tastes good and gets her drunk.
In my opinion, there are wine people and there are wine people. The first group are the rule followers. They're the ones who talk about noses, brix, and other fancy terms. They're the purists who don't eat chicken with a dry red. I'm not downing those folks...they're just fancier than I am. I fall under the second category. While I know most of the terminology and concepts, I prefer to be more of a mad scientist when it comes to wine. There are so many flavors, varietals, and blends...it's just too much fun to stick to the "rules" of wine drinking.
So here are my tips on how to get "into" wine, from the girl who's the world's foremost expert on her own opinion of it.
read all about it
Wine Folly is one of my favorite wine blogs. Whenever I find myself stumped, they're a great resource for helping me to figure out my wino questions. Additionally, they're not stuffy or judgmental about it. They break down the information into digestible bits and have beautifully illustrated infographics (I LOVE me some infographics). They even have a book! Other resources you should check out: The Wine Bible and Wine Enthusiast.
ask an expert
Many high-end liquor stores, like the Texas chains Specs's, host wine samplings on weekends. Finding a store with trained employees (not just cashiers) who can help guide you through their inventory is pretty critical.
Additionally, ask your favorite local bar! Many restaurants offer tastings and pairings. They often bring in wine distributors for these events. These distributors have access to several different brands and can help you find something you like based on your palate preferences.
book a trip
Though I wouldn't recommend booking a vacation solely to try wines you may or may not like (or maybe I would!), try to plan a trip to a winery or vineyard to see how it's done! These tastings are inexpensive or even complimentary. The Man Friend and I are already pretty into wine, so we've booked several vacations to areas where we know we'll get an opportunity to go wine tasting. It's always easy to enjoy a glass when you've got some beautiful scenery around you, too.
Several of these places may also offer introductory sommelier classes, which will help you get a better grasp on terminology and "feel" of what you're looking for in a good wine.
host a party
Invite some people over and ask everyone to bring a bottle of inexpensive wine they want to try and share. By setting up your own tasting, you can compare notes with your friends...and you're not out several hundred dollars. Ask people to bring a variety (reds/whites, dry/sweet, etc.). It's also an excuse to hang out with your best friends.
take a bite
My favorite part of wine is how amazing it brings out the flavors of food. Seriously. You'd be surprised how amazing a glass of wine can make a steak taste. A good glass can really amplify the flavors of the food you're eating. Play with foods, particularly roasted or smoked meats, various cheeses, and fruit. The wine will bring out subtle flavors you may not realize are there. Start with a glass at restaurants and see what it does with your favorite dish.
start sweet
Seriously. There are so many people out there who may disagree, but I started with Lambrusco. It's sweet as hell and, like revenge, is best served cold. Unlike liquor, which is overwhelming, sweeter wines are easier to drink (so be careful!). And unlike beer, they don't fill you up as much. Once you establish a taste for that, perhaps move on to a white Zinfandel, Riesling, or a red Zinfandel.
Which wine did you start drinking...and what's your favorite now? Tell me in the comments or email me at amanda@winebooksandwanderlust.com.
