Wine Connoisseur?

Let’s be honest: wine can be intimidating. Between the fancy terms, the swirling, the sniffing, and the endless bottle options, it’s easy to feel like you need a degree just to pick a good cheap wine. But becoming a true wine connoisseur isn’t about memorizing obscure wine terms or dropping $200 on Champagne. It’s about curiosity, exploration, and, yes, drinking a lot of different wines (for research, of course).

What is a sommelier? You’ve probably heard the term tossed around by people who know way too much about tannins. A sommelier is a certified wine professional—someone who’s trained to help you find the perfect bottle, whether you’re eating steak, sushi, or a veggie burger. There are different levels of sommelier certifications, and some folks go deep, studying everything from soil types to fermentation science.

But you don’t have to chase a pin to get serious about wine. You just need to taste widely and stay curious.

Start with the weird stuff. Sure, everyone knows about Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, but why not branch out? Try a bottle of Swiss wine—they’re hard to find outside Switzerland, but worth the hunt. Many are made with indigenous grapes like Chasselas and have a crisp, alpine vibe. Or check out Israeli wine, which is having a bit of a renaissance. You’ll find everything from elegant Syrahs to mineral-driven whites coming from ancient terroirs with modern techniques.

Speaking of bubbles… we’d be remiss not to talk Champagne. Yes, it’s often pricey. Yes, it’s worth it. But if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of sparkling wines that deliver without the Champagne markup. Look for Crémant, Cava, or even some American bubbly that’s turning heads in wine reviews lately.

Not All Rieslings Are Sweet! Quick PSA: Riesling isn’t always sweet. In fact, some of the best ones are bone-dry and packed with acidity, minerality, and citrus zip. They’re killer with spicy food and super refreshing in the summer.

Love Cheap Wine? So Do We. Don’t let anyone wine-shame you. Great bottles don’t have to cost a fortune. There are amazing values out there—like Vinho Verde, a light, slightly fizzy white from Portugal that’s usually under $10. It’s the definition of porch pounder.

Getting the Lingo Down. If you’re reading wine reviews and thinking, “What the heck is ‘brambly’?”—you’re not alone. Learning common wine terms like tannin, acidity, finish, and body can go a long way in helping you figure out what you like. Pro tip: take notes on what you’re drinking. You’ll start to spot patterns in your taste.

Bottom line: Becoming a wine connoisseur is less about being fancy and more about being adventurous. Try something new, ask questions, maybe even take a class or two. Whether you’re sipping Riesling, swirling Swiss wines, or chilling with a glass of Vinho Verde, you’re already on the right path.