12 Wine Tips for Beginners

Do you want to begin your wine journey properly? If yes, then consider this blog as your guide because here, we will talk about the 12 wine tips for beginners like you!

We list the effective ones. Rest assured that if you master these tips, your wine journey will be easier. Also, you will feel and look like an expert.

1. Collect, compare, then select

Have you heard the Collect and Collect then Select principle in dating? Well, our first tip somehow holds the same interpretation.

Collecting, comparing, and then selecting is an essential rule for choosing wine for beginners. As someone starting the journey, you should not settle immediately with only one brand or wine type. There’s plenty in the market!

Collecting wine means you should try every available wine or at least the ones you think you’ll like. Explore different tastes.

After you collect, it is time to compare all the wine you have tasted. The first step won’t be practical if you don’t do this. You can make a Pros and Cons list if necessary.

Lastly, select the wine that you think aced the comparison process. You can add it to your future wine choices. Having a list of preferred wines is always an advantage!

2. Do the necessary research

There is nothing wrong with being careful. Hence, if that means doing extra research on the wines, then you should do it.

Your research could focus on types of wine and wine characteristics. But, the search is not limited to these two. You can also look into what wine brands are great, so you can refer to that next time.

• Wine types: Some examples of wine types are red, white, sparkling, rosé, and dessert. If you do your research, consider starting from these five types. Wine types are sometimes confusing. So, do the research thoroughly.
• Wine characteristics: Like the type of wines, there are also five wine characteristics you should look out for. Among these are the following: acidity level, tannin content, sweetness level, alcohol content, and wine body. If you understand these characteristics, there is a huge chance that you can tell the difference between wines. Remember, the quality of wine changes depending on these characteristics.

3. Master wine etiquette

As a beginner, mastering various wine etiquette will step up the game. Practicing the correct etiquette will make you look like a pro when drinking wine.

Among the wine customs you can practice are the correct way of pouring wine, holding a wine glass, proper wine toast, and the proper way of closing and opening a wine bottle.

There are numerous etiquettes you can freely practice and familiarize yourself with. But, since you are just starting out, it is okay to only focus on the basics.

Watch this video about the seven wine tips you can do as a beginner:

 

4. Join a wine club

Most of the time, wine clubs appear to be just for privileged wine lovers. Well, we can’t blame people who think that way since joining wine clubs is expensive.

However, as beginners, we should take advantage of these clubs. One common benefit is the discounts when you purchase wine. You might also learn a lot from these organizations, especially when you talk to other members.

Remember that every winery or vinery offers different memberships, and each has various benefits. It is important to research first to get your money’s worth.

5. Attend wine-tasting events

Wine-tasting events are another perk you can get when you join a wine club. But you can still attend these events even if you are not a member.

As much as possible, try to attend wine-tasting events. It will widen your perspective toward different wines. The tours often include the history of some wines.

It could also inspire you to dig deeper into the wine world. Plus, you are lucky if you find your wine partner in these events. A person who you could share insights with when it comes to wine. Sometimes, it is about learning and experience and not just the expense.

6. Choose your signature wine

After collecting the data you need about wines, it is best to decide on your signature wine. The signature wine is the one you will instore in your home just in case you want to drink something unexpectedly. In simpler terms, this is your favorite wine.

A signature wine can also help people remember you, just like what it does to wineries. Wine producers often have a signature wine that will make buyers remember them.

For example, you said a particular wine is your favorite. There is a big chance that they will remember you when they see or hear that wine.

Take your time in choosing your signature wine. Ensure that you’ve tasted enough wine before you decide.

7. Invest in glassware

Here comes one of the essential tips you can learn in this blog– investing in glassware. We are not saying that you should buy the extra expensive ones. What matters most is the structure of the glass, whether it will suit a specific type of wine.

Ask yourself these six questions whenever you plan to buy a wine glass.

• Will it enhance the quality of my wine?
• Is it durable?
• What material is used in making this wine glass?
• How big is the bowl of this wine glass?
• Is it stemless or not?
• Will I be comfortable when I use this glass?

Glasswares have various impacts on the quality of the wine. For instance, a glass with a big bowl is better used in drinking red wine because this type of wine needs more time to aerate.

Good quality wine glasses can be expensive at times. But, it is better to invest in it than buy cheaper ones that won’t even last for a long time.

8. Hold the glass properly

As we said, properly holding the wine glass is one of the basic etiquettes in wine drinking. Not only does it make you appear pro, but also it prevents a chaotic wine-drinking experience.

Sometimes, you spill your wine if you do not hold it correctly. This is a hassle and embarrassing situation if you are surrounded by lots of people, right?

Here is a video on how to hold wine stemware:

 

9. Store the wine properly

Your wine journey doesn’t end in buying the wine alone; you must know how to properly store it. Some people forget how crucial this phase is. Hence, their wines tend to go bad. Temperature, lighting, and vibration contact are just some of the things you should consider when storing your wine.

Now, let’s talk about them a little! Each wine has a temperature requirement. Some can be placed in cold places. But most of them should only be in the standard range of 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lighting is another factor as well. Wines prefer to be in dark places. That’s why, if you noticed, big wineries store their wine in the basement or underground. At home, find a spot that is not exposed to sunlight.

Lastly, the vibration from any equipment, like a refrigerator, should not be made in contact with the wine. Do further research about these storing requirements and apply them to your own wine.

10. Discover food pairings

This next tip is a skill every wine beginner should learn. Although it is hard at first, it is not impossible.

Discovering food pairings means trying different dishes that will go best with each kind of wine. We know that might be costly, so here’s another trick– research. You can find combinations online, like these wine and pasta pairings.

So, are you wondering why you should discover food that would pair best with wines? Well, here’s a simple answer.

You can use these pairings to enhance your wine-drinking experience. Let’s say you are hosting a party or eating out in a restaurant. Wouldn’t you like to order a dish that would enrich the flavor of your wine?

11. Always read wine labels

First, you have to learn how to read wine labels. Then when you do, always read it when you purchase wine!

Wine labels hold vital information about the wine. Hence, it is a valuable tool. You can always use it to evaluate which wine is high quality and which is not. The wine label is consumers’ friends!

12. Never stop exploring

The last tip is to never stop exploring. Like how winemakers never stop producing new wines, you should keep up with the changes as a beginner in this journey.

Do not confine yourself to just one brand or wine type. Develop a habit of looking for excellent wine!

Final words

Only two things could summarize this 12 wine tips for beginner blog. The first is to do some digging, and the second is to explore. Remember these, and you will never forget all the content written here.

If unsure about certain things, do plenty of research. Most importantly, be a life-long learner. Discover everything in this vast world of wines.