8 Wine Tips for Beginners
Welcome to the world of wine! Whether you are a newbie or just need a refresher, we are glad you are here. With complex lingo and isles full of options, the wine world can seem pretty daunting to an outsider - but the exploration of wine is a part of its beauty.
Wine can be intimidating - that’s where we come in. Keep reading to learn some wine tips so you can blend in with the wine connoisseurs.
1. Gear Up
Your regular glassware will not cut it when it comes to wine. Invest in wine glasses! Look for wine glasses with medium-sized bowls - which are versatile for all wines. If you only like one type of wine, check out our wine glass guide to find your perfect match. Also, keep an eye out for thin-rims because it makes your wine taste better.
Pro-Tip: Wine glasses can be delicate. Make sure to hand wash for the best outcome!
The wine tools don’t stop at the glass. Find an easy wine opener that works for you, and don’t forget the cork or wine stopper to keep it fresh.
2. Keep A Wine Journal
Part of the beauty in drinking wine is in the exploration. Searching for your favorite wines can be fun, especially when you find a bottle you love. The best way to know what wines you like and don’t like is by keeping track!
In comes your trusty wine journal. Grab a notebook or the Notes application on your phone each time you open a bottle. It’s all in the details: write down the producer, wine name, price, flavor, aroma, and even its food pairing. Staying organized with your wine tracking is smart to learn which types of wine you lean towards and point you in the right direction next time you’re shopping.
The best way to differentiate wines and fully appreciate their unique flavors and texture is to sample multiple wines at once. It will go a long way towards learning how to read different wines. Go ahead and host a mini wine tasting to try it out!
3. Know Your Serving Temperature
How to enjoy your wine starts with the temperature! The temperature you serve wine can have an impact on its taste. The perfect wine serving temperature can vary for every bottle. A quick read of our Wine Temperature Serving Guide will give you the basics.
The difference in sugar content, acidity, alcohol by volume, and carbonation will determine the best temperature that the wine should be served. Here is a quick summary of the basics.
White Wine Serving Temperature
White wines should be stored cold - but not too cold to mask their taste. White wines are best served around 45 °F. Leave your white in the fridge a few hours before serving to chill. Beware! Never add ice cubes to chill your wine.
Red Wine Serving Temperature
A common misconception is that red wines should be served at room temperature, but this isn’t entirely true. Red wines are ideally served a few degrees below room temperature, between 58–65°F. The best way to achieve this is by throwing it in the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
4. Hold Your Wine Glass Appropriately
If you want to blend in with the wine snobs, hold your glass by the stem or the base. Never hold your glass by the bowl, as it will affect the wine temperature and end up affecting the taste and aromas of your wine. Holding your glass the proper way is a must within the wine community.
5. Store Wine Like a Pro
The best place to keep your wine is in a dark place. You always want to keep your wine out of direct sunlight, making the top of the refrigerator of your countertop your enemy. If you don’t have a fancy wine rack, try storing your wine in the closet.
6. Know the Expiration
No wine should go to waste. That’s why knowing how long a bottle will last is pretty important when it comes to wine. Once you open up the bottle, the overall fruit and character of the wine will diminish. Here some rules to live by when it comes to storing an open bottle.
- Keep your white wine in the fridge for about 5 days with a cork.
- Store your red wine in a cool, dark place with a cork.
- Store sparkling wine for 1-3 days in the fridge with a wine stopper.
7. The Best Wine for Beginners
Some wines can be described as an acquired taste, but when you are just getting started, try some crowd-pleasers to break into the wine world. Keep in mind that there isn’t one type of wine that works for everyone - we are all different!
If you are leaning towards a white, a big crowd favorite is the Pinot Grigio. We recommend the 2019 Villa Amoroso Pinot Grigio Veneto D.O.C. This wine boasts fruity aromas and flavors of poached pear, lemon zest, and marshy grass. With a supple, crisp body, it moves nicely into a lasting, sea salt finish.
If red wine is more your style, we recommend starting with a classic Pinot Noir. Try the 2019 El Vigia Family Reserva Pinot Noir, a delicious red wine from Chile. This wine offers sophisticated notes of strawberries, soft smoke, and spices, complete with a well-rounded acidity.
8. Explore Wine the Right Way
Sifting through the myriad of wine choices can be overwhelming and expensive. Skip the exhausting grocery store search that leaves you walking up and down the wine aisle for more than you would like to admit.
Wine Insiders curates packs of wines and single bottles, giving you an overview of customer reviews and tasting notes to make your life easier! Our in-house winemaker works with world-class wineries to stock our online store with an exclusive selection from some of the world’s best wineries and regions. We did all the hard work so that you can find your favorites with ease!
We know exploring new wines can be intimidating. That’s why we wanted to make the explorations risk-free. We want you to love every bottle - without breaking the bank. Wine Insiders provides high-quality bottles at a reasonably low price.
Bonus: If you are not completely satisfied, we will refund the wine you don’t love.
