Ten Tips to becoming a "Wine Person"

If I had a dollar for everytime I heard "I'm not a wine person," I could have self published my novel by now. That's fine if you really don't like it, but I would venture forth to say that if you really like food, you'll really like the right wine. I hate to use the beaten to death phrase "it's an acquired taste", but it truly is. I'm supposing that if you are reading this than you want to be a wine person, are one already, or just an over-polite friend of mine. So, here are my top ten suggestions for making wine your hobby and discovering what you like.

1. Find a store that specializes in wine. Independant wine shops in particular will give you the oppurtunity to ask questions. Do not, I repeat, do not be embarrassed to ask them. I promise you nearly every wine retailer will be ecstatic to help even the most unknowledgable wine drinkers. Don't know what to ask? Say so, they will probaby ask you a few.

2. Attend tastings. You can find tasting through your local wine shops or through Wine Society tastings. Most reasonably sized cities have a wine society.

3. Host a wine tasting party. Send an invitation to your friends (I like evite.com) and ask each person or couple to bring a bottle of wine. Put a spending cap of 20 dollars so no one spends too much money. Then serve appetizers and enjoy!

4. Ask for recommendations at restaurants. Don't be afraid to explore the by the glass list at restaurants. If your server seems helpful or classy at all, ask what they like. If you want to pair, a general rule of thumb of mine is to match the color of the rine with the food. (i.e. heavy red with beef, crisp dry white with seafood.)

5. Take notes. I know this sounds nerdy, but it is vital to remembering what you like. I have had volumes of customers come in to try and describe a wine they tasted at a friend's or a restaurant and cannot remember the name. There are too many wines to narrow it down at the store. They don't need to be fancy. I write down the name, the vintage, two or three adjectives of my own choosing, and a rating on a scale of one to five.

6. Be fearless. Never heard of Malbec, Carmenere, Tempranillo or Montepulciano? Forget about it, drink it anyway.

7. Links- Search for wine networking sites and see what others have to say. I like Corkd.com.

8. Books- If you're not sure if you're serious, go tot he library and check out Wine for Dummies. Don't be embarrassed, I still read it.

9. Food and Wine Magazine. Subscribe. It rules. Cooking Light is also featuring more wine, and both magazines have great tips on travel, recipes, restaurants and kitchen gadgets.

10. Read my blog! Ask me questions. More info to follow.