Oct 2, 2024

The Wall Street Journal

Can we give you some wine advice? Smart tips straight from the pros

A sommelier has so little time tableside to guide a guest to the right wine. Here, five pros share the piece of advice they believe any wine lover should have when ordering a bottle or a glass.

Oct 2, 2024

The Wall Street Journal

Can we give you some wine advice? Smart tips straight from the pros

A sommelier has so little time tableside to guide a guest to the right wine. Here, five pros share the piece of advice they believe any wine lover should have when ordering a bottle or a glass.

The article gathers expert advice from top sommeliers and wine directors on how to deepen wine knowledge and enjoyment. Their tips include stepping outside familiar varietals (like trying Spanish reds instead of California Cabernets), focusing on quality producers over famous vintages or regions, savoring wine slowly by recorking bottles for later, and seeking out high-value wines from less-hyped areas like the Loire Valley and Oregon. Additionally, learning basic wine terminology (such as "acidic" or "light-bodied") can help drinkers better communicate their preferences and discover more wines they’ll love. Throughout, the emphasis is on making wine exploration fun, approachable, and rewarding.

Title author:

Lettie Teague

Other credits:

Illustration by Lehel Kovács