Starting From Scratch

A label gives you clues, not an exam.

Wine is new to me, and I want a comfortable place to begin.

Labels and basic terms

A comfortable place to start

Look for the producer, vintage, grape or wine name, region, and alcohol percentage. Some labels emphasize the place more than the grape.

You do not need to decode everything at once. Keep a photo of a label you enjoyed and use it when asking for your next bottle.

Explore this topic

Wine is not made to taste identical every time. Growing seasons, winemaking choices, age, and how a bottle is served can all affect your experience. A familiar label is a useful reference, not a guarantee.

A working guide from PairedBest. Matthew and Tom will keep adding personal experiences, preferences, and winemaker conversations.