The industry has a bad reputation for being elitist and full of old pale stale males, but not to fear—that’s quickly changing because wine is for everyone. I started my wine blog as a platform to encourage inclusivity and growth. I wanted to document and share my wine journey for others to learn about wine in an approachable and relatable way. There’s an entry point for everyone with its own set of wine tips—I myself started off by drinking #YellowTail and other affordable grocery store wine, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Here are some wine tips for those just getting started:
Taste everything
The best way to learn about wine is to find out which ones you like. You just need to grab new bottles to discover new regions, varietals, producers, etc. Start off with a budget based on what you are comfortable spending. With so many different options, you’ll certainly be able to find a bottle at any price point. Then, at a basic level, just figure out if you want to drink red, white, rosé, sparkling, etc. I like to try a different grocery store wine each time.
Take down notes
Jot down information about what you taste. Even if it’s just a few thoughts that come to mind. Was it fruity? Did it dry your mouth? Was it sweet? Did it go well with dinner? That way, you remember what you like and what you didn’t.
Start developing your tasting skills
It’s as simple as smelling and tasting different fruits, vegetables, and spices. Grab stone fruits, black fruits, peppers, etc. so you know exactly how to identify these notes during your tastings.
Dive into endless information
Dive into endless information. From books like @winefolly and The Wine Bible to subscription services like @sommtv_streaming to formal courses like @wsetglobal, there are endless sources to learn more.
What other tips would you give novice winos?
