Restaurants Make Great Wine Classrooms
Ann Pemberton, Wine Expert

I love wine. To open a new bottle and pour the first glass, observe the colors and clarity, inhale the aromas of earth and fruit and wine cellar, take in the tactile impressions and sequence of tastes as the wine passes over different parts of one’s mouth, finally leaving a lingering sensation of its presence after it’s been swallowed, that is, to me, pure magic.

I can think of few things happier than sharing this passion with other people, whether they are winemakers or wine masters or people who just plain enjoy wine. It discourages me to hear—as I often do—someone say, “I like wine, but I don’t know enough about it to choose the right one, so I hardly ever drink it.” It’s true that there is an infinite variety in wine, thousands upon thousands of brands, varietals and labels, and that no one will ever know them all. But, if you learn a little, maybe you’ll want to learn more. Or maybe you’ll find that knowing a little, your dining experiences get a bit more festive, a bit more celebratory and memorable.

The only way to learn about wine is to taste as many different wines as possible. And restaurants are a perfect venue for this. For one thing, these days most restaurants have a wine-by-the-glass option. I like to order the wine I know least about—a new grape or a new producer or a new wine region. When I’m only buying a glass, my commitment is small, so if I don’t like it, it doesn’t much matter.

Another reason a restaurant is a good place to learn about wine is that usually the wine list has been especially assembled to match the food the restaurant serves, so within a few guidelines, you’ll probably have a good experience. It’s also a good place to ask for advice. If your food server can’t make an informed recommendation, a manager or wine buyer will be able to.

And don’t worry too much over how much you spend. The overwhelming number one wine at any restaurant is the second least expensive on the menu. And it’s usually a good choice to go with the food. So go ahead, try it; you might like it.