Why Try Wine?

For many, trying wine for the first time is a memorable experience. It might be love at first sip, but it could also leave some wondering how anyone could enjoy it? Perhaps you are in the middle of that, unimpressed but mildly intrigued. But, of course, this depends on the type and quality of wine you sampled that first time.

No matter the nature of those first impressions, we’re here to encourage you to continue to try wine. There are so many different kinds of wine, and each has a unique flavor profile that might taste like perfection to some. Finding your perfect wine is a fun mission that could become a new hobby and an ongoing treat for your palate. So why try wine? Here are some excellent reasons to do so.

There’s a Wine for Everyone

Let’s rephrase the question of “why try wine?” as “why try different kinds of wine?” If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by a wine list in a restaurant or the aisles at the supermarket, understand that those are a tiny fraction of all the wines in the world. So, tasting one wine, or even one white and one red, and calling it a day is absurd. It’s like watching one lousy movie and swearing off all TV and film for life.

It’s difficult to know where to start when there are so many different kinds of wine from different regions worldwide, different vintages and flavor profiles, and all kinds of other confusing characteristics. Consider the vast range and diversity a good thing – if you don’t like one wine, there are plenty of others you might enjoy. Start with some less complex, more approachable wines. The best wines for beginners tend to be lighter, so avoid any that are too bold or heavy. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice for newcomers. Avoid aged red wines with lots of tannins – the compounds responsible for bitterness in reds – and try something soft and semi-dry, like Sweet Oaks’ Never a Dull Moment 2018 Pinot Noir.

Over time, you’ll probably identify a few varietals that you prefer. From here, try several different wines of that varietal, noting their characteristics and your personal preferences. Maybe you dislike oakiness in a Chardonnay but find you love Chardonnays fermented in stainless steel. You might love jammy red fruit flavors or dislike floral aromas. Perhaps you love a fancy tannin-rich red, after all! 

There’s Always Something New

The answer to “why try wine” isn’t to find one single wine you love and only to drink that forever. (This is impossible – there are only so many bottles produced of any wine.) Instead, learning to love wine is narrowing down the types of wines to try after figuring out what characteristics you like and expanding your options to widen the experience even further. Due to vintage variation and other factors, every single wine is unique, even when it’s produced by the same winery, from the same grape, using the same techniques. 

After trying the more popular wine varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir, it’s time to try different kinds of wine. There are some you might not have heard of that you might just love. Consider a Tempranillo, Mouvedre, or Viognier. Sweet Oaks produces several Viogniers, including the exotic and floral 2017 Viognier, with a strong stone fruit character and a nose of white flowers and ginger. Next, consider the brambly, savory, earthy 2017 Grenache for an unusual red. 

Don’t forget about blends! Blended wines, made from more than one type of wine grape, can be truly excellent, and they expand your options even more. For example, Sweet Oaks’ DeLuzional Syrah Blend has 60% Syrah and 40% Zinfandel. It’s packed with spices and jammy ripe red fruits, with a hint of smoky, toasty new French oak.

Wine is an Art and a Science

You don’t need to know the nuances of how wine is made to enjoy drinking it, but some budding wine drinkers quickly become intrigued by the science of winemaking. Others appreciate the artistic elements of winemaking and how a talented team of producers can create a beautiful symphony of flavors. You can get nerdy with wine. For some personalities, this is one of the more surprising answers to the question, “why drink wine?”

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

On the other hand, you do not need to nerd out to delve into the world of wine. It’s handy to learn some basic wine terminology and figure out the spectrum of wine flavor profiles. Doing so allows you to describe the characteristics of wine that you like and do not like, which helps you communicate your preferences with a wine seller. But, there’s no test, no need to take a scientific approach or get poetic about it. Learning to love different kinds of wine can be as straightforward as sampling whichever bottles catch your eye and snapping a photo of the label if you like it enough to buy it again. 

Great Wines Are Made in America

Want to feel patriotic? Then buy domestic wines, which genuinely rival those worldwide, including France and Italy. The United States is the world’s third-largest wine producer, with 90% of American wine coming from California. The Golden State’s sun-drenched climate is ideal for most wine grapes, and the industry has the expertise and longevity to produce some of the best wines in the world. In addition, living in a wine-growing region makes you feel good about supporting local, small-scale wineries. 

Want to taste some wines made in Southern California’s beautiful Temecula Valley? Try Redneck Vineyards!

Wine and Food are a Match Made in Heaven

Do you like to eat? (Who doesn’t?) A good glass of wine can enhance any meal (except maybe breakfast) in a way that no other drink can. Some wine and food pairings are classics for a reason – think a bold red with a grilled steak or crisp white with seafood. A romantic date night meal isn’t quite as romantic without wine. Expand your wine drinking experience by creating your own pairings. Try a glass of Grenache with a takeout pizza or a bright, zesty Brosé Grenache with a summertime BBQ. 

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Wine!

Did we convince you to try wine? Remember, you can’t just try one, or you’ll miss out on all the different kinds of wine. The Redneck Vineyards wine shop is a great place to start.