How to Choose a Good Wine

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

December 21, 2021
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For those less comfortable knowing how to choose a good wine, here are a few pointers that can help you choose a quality wine by yourself.

When you go out for dinner, many restaurants have certified wine specialists who can assist you in selecting the perfect bottle to complement your meal. This comes in handy if you love wine but are unsure what to drink with your dinner. However, going out for meals is not something you can do every day. So, what happens when you’re browsing the shelves trying to pick a wine, and you don’t have a connoisseur to help you? For those less comfortable knowing how to choose a good wine, here are a few pointers that can help you out when trying to choose a quality wine by yourself.

Red Wine

With a few simple tips, you can choose a good wine.

New to Wine? Start Simple

Personalized subscription services like Firstleaf wine reviews are perfect for helping people decide on the types of wines they prefer without wasting money and time on store-bought bottles.

Services do this by studying your tastes and preferences. They offer six-bottle shipments that you rate after drinking. This allows them to categorize the wines and helps them suggest certain types that match your taste buds. And you’re far more likely to enjoy it than what you reach for at random. This lets someone else choose a good wine for you.

Just as your food preferences change and mature over time, so does your choice of wine. According to a study at Sonoma State University, when people first begin drinking wine, they prefer a rosé wine or a sweet white. Then, as their taste buds become accustomed to the drink, they veer toward drier whites, reds, and wines with more distinctive flavors. So, starting with rosé or white wine is an excellent place for beginners.

rosé wines

Rosé wine is a great place to start when new to wines.

What is the Occasion?

Certain wines go better with certain foods and different occasions. For example, are you choosing a bottle to enjoy by yourself, or are you hosting a dinner party with friends?

Every wine can serve a different purpose, which means the event can influence you. In this instance, ask yourself the following questions when you’re next out shopping to choose a good wine:

Do You Want Wine to Go With a Meal?

If you’re searching for a bottle that complements the food you’re cooking, the general rule of thumb is:

  • White wines go with lighter dishes, like fish and chicken
  • Red wines go with heavier dishes, like lamb and beef
entertaining tips

Consider what you plan to serve if you want a wine to pair with your meal. Photo courtesy iStock by Getty Images

Do You Want Wine to Please the Crowd?

If you’re looking to satisfy your guests and pairing wine with food isn’t the best be-all and end-all, consider picking up a bottle of red and white wine. Everyone has different tastes, and wine preferences can be subjective. Having one of each will allow you to cater to all palates.

Make sure you choose types that fall in the middle of the spectrum regarding acidity, body, and sweetness, as this balance is more likely to appeal to all of your guests. If you are thinking of a beautiful wine region to showcase for your guests, San Simeon offers stunning scenery and a selection of renowned wines that could make a memorable addition to your event.

wine pairing wine and cheese

If you have a crowd coming over, pick a red and white wine to offer a variety.

Always Read the Back of the Label

For those who know little about different wines, it’s tempting to choose a bottle based on the labels that look the most attractive. But before you grab the prettiest bottle, it’s important to take a minute to read the back of the label to learn about its origins, ingredients, and taste.

The back label provides a wealth of information, such as intensity, dryness, lightness, and fruitiness. You can then match wines with your particular palate. This is a great place to start when you choose a good wine without much upfront knowledge.

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Find Your Favorite Wine

Many wines are out there, and it can sometimes take a while to find your perfect bottle. By implementing these tips, you’ll enjoy the brilliant flavors various wines can offer. If you need more help choosing a good wine, check out Wander for more of our wine suggestions from our informed wine experts.

For those less comfortable knowing how to choose a good wine, here are a few pointers that can help you out when you're trying to choose a quality wine by yourself. 

How to Choose a Good Wine

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Founder and publisher Susan Lanier-Graham is an award-winning travel writer and author of more than 75 books. For more than three decades, she has explored the world in search of unforgettable “wow moments,” from the jungles of Thailand and the temples of Egypt to wine regions, coastlines, and hidden gems closer to home. Her work blends immersive storytelling with practical insight, helping readers experience destinations more deeply. Based in Spearfish, South Dakota, Susan covers travel, food, and wine with a focus on meaningful experiences. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS).

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