There are many aspects of wine that can be difficult to know or understand especially for beginners into the wine world. I thought I would put together some links that could help with some of the basics like how to pronounce different grape varieties, how to read wine labels, food and wine pairing, etc.
At the end of the day I don’t really think there are any rules in wine but I do think it’s good to know how to pronounce each variety, I think it’s good to know about each variety (especially the ones you like to drink often), and I think some of the basic food and wine pairing information is good to have although I’m not a stickler for that. I prefer the trial and error method…wine is an adventure.
Annie and I have been drinking wine together for six years and I know I will never know it all. This is partially because there is just too much information but also because I don’t want to know it all. To me, wine is fun. I’m not a big fan of dissecting and overanalyzing it. I am however, a fan of drinking a ton (that is after all how you will learn) and having friendly, easy going conversation.
My biggest pet peeve is watching the “high maintenance” wine folks over complicate it and make newbies feel dumb. There is never a stupid question…ask the wine pourers and winemakers anything on your mind. That’s the only way to educate ourselves and pass the knowledge on.
If you have some other links that you think are really helpful with wine basics please share them.
Cheers!
How to pronounce different grape varieties:
How to taste wine, wine regions, reading wine labels and more
Wine basics from WineFolly.com (this is probably one of my favorite wine websites because she is very knowledgeable and she delivers it with wit and humor)
Food and wine pairing via WineFolly.com
Come over here and we will give you a whole tour and short course on winemaking.
Gary, I need to talk to you about possibly being a regular part on the blog. I could email you questions or we could meet in person, whichever or both, and really start educating people on Paso wine. I truly don’t think that is happening enough…as in not from enough different folks.
I would love to do some educating about wine, but I would rather meet with Annie. Give me a call and lets get together.
Haha, I don’t blame you for wanting to meet with her, Gary.
Matt- You hit it on the head! Wine is an experience that should be easy to enjoy! That’s why I’ve started a Paso based wine education business. Wine ed for everyone! It’s high time we all enjoy the great wine around us without all the fuss! Keep up the great work!
Stasi, thank you and congrats on the new wine biz. Maybe we should chat sometime to see if there’s a way we can help spread that news about your new biz. 🙂