How to Choose a Good Wine : Tips for a Newbie

Retailers sell a wide selection of wines that differ based on color, region, and type. Red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir and whites include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and sparkling wines. Sorting through the different varietals can be an intimidating experience. When shopping for a wine at your local winery or online, keep a few key tips and details in mind to ensure that you purchase the right bottle for your needs.

1. Determine the year the wine was created so that you can determine how long it has had to mature. The longer a wine ferments the better the quality. Find a wine that has been matured for at least two years when making your choice.

2. Determine the region where the wine was manufactured when deciding if it's a good choice. Certain regions have more fertile land for growing ideal grapes for wine production. Regions include areas of France, California, Italy, Spain, and Australia.

3. Consider the price of the wine when making your decision. Manufacturers set prices higher on wines that have matured longer, so the higher the price, the longer it has matured in most cases, and the better the wine.

4. Check for wine picks as you browse the aisles of your local winery. Sometimes employees or the owner give recommendations based on their own personal choices to help customers choose a good wine.

5.Visit Wine Review Online, Wineography, Wine Geeks or a similar online wine review website to get tips on good wines from experts and wine connoisseurs.

6. Check your local winery's monthly schedule to find an upcoming wine tasting event where you can sample wine before buying.

Warning: Don't assume that a wine is good based on an attractive label design alone!