The Basics

This is the place to start learning about wine. These are the fundamental basics that will help you to enjoy wine, and make it easier to learn even more.

How to Taste Wine
That whole ritual of swirling and sniffing. Is it really required? Find out why it is, and isn't.

• A glossary of wine terms
• The language of wine
• Search for a wine term

• Shopping for Bargains
  What to look for, and when wine isn't really a bargain
• Ordering Wine in Restaurants
  Wine is the perfect accompaniment to food, but what exactly should you order, and then what do you do when the wine comes?
• Tips for Buying Wine
  An invaluable guide to help you get the most out of your buying experience.
• Wine Tasting Index
  A dated but still useful list of wine ratings
  For more recent wine ratings Subscribe to free the Newsletter

Wine and Health
A lot of press has been given of late to extolling the heath virtues of red wine, what exactly is that all about? Also, find out the truth about Sulfites in wine, Red Wine Headaches and even Diabetes and wine.

The History of Wine
It turns out that the history of wine is older than history itself. Explore the prehistoric origins of our favorite beverage. See how it has evolved to become what we know as wine today.

Starting a Wine Tasting Group
Drinking wine is the most fun when you are sharing it with someone. The same holds true when you are tasting wine to learn more about it. Gather up a few friends and start your own tradition of wine tasting.

Wine Touring
One of the great joys of wine is seeing where it is made. I have traveled all over the world visiting vineyards and wineries. Here I give some basic advice on the popular regions in California, but much of the advice holds true for where ever you are visiting.