The secret to choosing good wine isn't memorising regions and vintages. It's knowing yourself.
Start with what you already enjoy
Like a fruity, easy red? Look for Merlot, Garnacha or Shiraz. Prefer crisp and zesty whites? Try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You've already got more instinct than you think.
Match the moment, not the price tag
A Tuesday pizza doesn't need a grand cru. A big celebration might warrant a treat. Let the occasion, not the snobbery, guide you.
Read the back, ignore the fluff
Back labels usually tell you if a wine is light or full, dry or fruity. That's the useful bit. "Notes of crushed velvet" is not.
Take a punt
The best way to find new favourites is to try something new — which is exactly what bargain shopping is for. At these prices, an experiment costs almost nothing.
Quick Questions
How do I pick a good wine if I don't know much?
Start from styles you already enjoy, match the wine to the occasion rather than the price, and use the back label to check if it's light or full, dry or fruity.
Is expensive wine always better?
No. Price reflects rarity, marketing and production costs as much as quality. Plenty of inexpensive wines taste superb.
