The Bottle You Bring When You Don’t Know What They Like.

We’ve all been there. You’re standing in front of a wall of bottles, dinner is in an hour, and suddenly every label looks like a test you forgot to study for.

The good news is, choosing wine doesn’t need to be that serious.

If you’re not sure where to start, think less about what you “should” be drinking and more about what you actually like. Crisp or rich? Light or bold? Something easy, or something a little different? That’s usually enough to point you in the right direction.

For something fresh and easy, a Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino is a pretty safe place to start. If you’re after a red that won’t knock you over, Pinot Noir or Gamay usually does the trick. Want something with a bit more weight? Shiraz, Grenache or Cabernet might be more your speed.

Still not sure? Pick a bottle that sounds good, open it, and see what happens. Worst case, you learn something. Best case, you’ve found a new favourite.

There’s no wrong favourite.