9 Wine Tips for Beginners

Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the world of craft beer, but what about wine? We believe so, as there are several world-renowned wineries (including the famed Biltmore Winery, incredible wine bars, as well as wine sellers like us, Metro Wines!).

However, wine can sometimes be an intimidating drink, as there are so many different regions, styles, and types of wines, and of course, with such a deep well of knowledge comes snobbery. Because of this, it is easy to feel unqualified or kept out of the knowledge of good wine. With this quick guide, we will kickstart your confidence when it comes to understanding wine.

A Few Beginner’s Tips

1. Wine Tasting

Learning how to taste wine is something that takes a lifetime. However, with just a few tips, you can have a basic understanding of how to get the most out of your wine. 

• Be methodical and focused - get rid of distractions and pay attention to each and every part of the process. Don’t be afraid to take notes or ask questions.
• Swirl your wine - This introduces oxygen allowing it to open up and begin to release flavor compounds into the air.
• Give it a sniff - Aroma is a huge part of a wine tasting. Our olfactory system includes our sense of smell, and the experience of wine starts here. 
• Don’t be afraid to take your time - When you take your first sip, take in all of the flavors, and swish it around in your mouth. Different areas of your tongue will sense different flavor compounds. 
• Enjoy the experience - Just because you are not a seasoned sommelier doesn't mean that you can’t experience the depth and beauty of an interesting bottle of wine.

2. Wine Storage

Storage is a very important aspect when caring for wine. Not all wines need to be stored at room temp etc. 

• Store unopened bottles of wine sideways. This will keep the cork from drying out, which could allow oxygen into the bottle, which will cause oxidation. 
• Keep red wines cool, but not too cold. Red wine’s sweet spot is between 60-65 °F.
• White Wine, Rose, and sparkling wines can be stored in the refrigerator.
• Re-cork your bottle. If you can save the cork, then just pop it back in, and throw your bottle into the fridge. 

Have more questions? We have got you covered. Metro Wines offers a diverse wine selection, with an emphasis on matching the correct wine to any food or event. Our wine advisors are always available to answer your inquiries, make matching suggestions, and collaborate with your caterer or event planner.

Throughout the month, we also offer Wine Classes, weekly tastings, and social gatherings. Our event schedule, weekly tastings, and special events are all available on our website.