Wine Shopping

Good Morning Everyone! This article is on shopping for wine. Many wine enthusiasts (certainly new wine drinkers) are intimidated and overwhelmed by the number of choices of wines in a wine shop or even a grocery store these days. It is quite easy really... just ask questions and have an open mind to learn!

Introduce yourself to the staff at your local wine shop and remember the person's name that takes care of you and ask for them on your next visit. Everyone likes to be called by their name, this will help you build a relationship with your wine shop! In my opinion you should always have a wine shop clerk(s), restaurant owner, massage therapist and a clothing expert as friends!

Think about the last bottle of wine you had and what you liked about it. Now when a sales person asks what you are looking for, tell them that particular bottle. If they have 2 wits about them they should be able to guide you to wines in that flavor profile. (if they don't carry that particular wine) Let them know what you want to spend on a bottle(s) and don't be embarrassed on this amount. It doesn't matter if it is $8 or $50, wine is wine!

Ask the salesperson for any recommendations or his/her last exciting bottle they had in your price range. This is a fun way to experience new and different wines.

I like to ask the staff for the bottle that sells for $10 but drinks like it is $20. Remember they taste a lot of wine, that is part of their job to put quality and wine that will sell on their shelves! I get more interesting wine that way!

Take notes! When you are in a restaurant and order something you like write it down! Ask the server questions as well. Where could I buy this particular wine? Who is the distributor? (this may help your local wine shop get the wine if they don't already carry it)

Finally, don't be afraid to try different wines you may not have previous knowledge of. There are over 8000 grape varietals out there! Have fun and experiment!

It all comes down to this... you either like the juice in the bottle or you don't! It doesn't matter if it is $5 or $3000 for that bottle of nectar, it is worth nothing if you don't like it!

Cheers!

J