Picking the Right Wine

Written by Charlotte Wood (last updated May 29, 2020)

The selection of wine is an art and one that requires skill and experience. If you're having wine with your meal, especially if it's a more formal occasion, you want that wine to complement your meal perfectly because the wrong wine can ruin a meal. You don't have to be an aficionado to select a great wine. Start with some basics and if you find you have an affinity for wine, then feel free to delve more into that labyrinth world of wine.

The basic rule to follow is to have light wines (such as a white wine) with lighter meals and heavier wines (like a red wine) with heavier meals. You don't want the food to overpower the wine and you don't want the wine to overpower the food—there needs to be a good balance between food and wine. The wine isn't just a beverage—it's part of the meal and even if you're a beginner it is possible to make a wise decision. You should also keep in mind your guests and your own personal preference; you shouldn't buy something you don't like yourself!

Much of picking the right wine comes with experience as well. The more you cook and have wine with your meals, the more you'll be able to pick what tastes best and your wine-choosing judgment will improve. Like with most everything else, picking the right wine becomes perfect with practice!

Here are a few basic tips to get you started:

  • With steak a merlot wine usually goes well.
  • Seafood tastes good with a well chosen Chardonnay.
  • Try a white Chardonnay or a red Sangiovese with your Caesar salad.

So regardless of whether you're a wine expert or a sheer novice you still can pick the right wine for whatever occasion. Follow these simple guidelines and you'll get off on the right foot. After you have a bit more experience, the choosing will become easier and your palate will become refined!

Author Bio

Charlotte Wood

MORE FROM CHARLOTTE

Advice for Problems Washing Dark Fabric

Hate it when your darks bleed or fade? So do I! This can all be avoided, however, if you follow these few simple rules.

Discover More

Joining the Sedu Revolution

Sedu is an evolving and emerging style of hair that requires its own set of supplies, but it's rumored to make your hair ...

Discover More

Getting Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are definitely not uncommon, but before you dive into that trend, you want to know you what you're doing. ...

Discover More
More Cooking Tips

Fine Wines

Fine wine is a delicious and luxurious addition to a meal or for a special occasion. Learn to choose the best wine for ...

Discover More

Opening Wine Bottles Properly

About the only real problem that wine bottles present is getting them open. If not done correctly, not only is it ...

Discover More

California Wine

California is widely known for its wine-making. The state produces hundreds of different kinds of grapes and is home to ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 0 + 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.