Becoming a wine expert isn’t about having a special nose or using fancy words. It’s about paying attention, tasting with curiosity and learning a few key ideas. Anyone can do it, and the learning is half the fun. Here are ten practical ways to build your wine knowledge.
1. Taste with attention
The single most important habit is simply to pay attention to what you’re drinking. Before you sip, look at the colour, swirl the glass and smell the wine. Then taste it and ask yourself: is it light or full? Fruity or savoury? Fresh or soft? Do I like it, and why?
2. Compare wines side by side
Tasting two wines next to each other is one of the fastest ways to learn. Differences that are hard to spot on their own become obvious together.
Try these comparisons:
- Oaked vs unoaked Chardonnay: Domaine du Colombier Chablis vs Moillard Burgundy Chardonnay.
- Old World vs New World Sauvignon Blanc: Domaine Sylvain Bailly Sancerre vs Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
- Light vs full-bodied red: Louis Jadot Fleurie vs Terrazas de los Andes Malbec.
3. Keep tasting notes
Write a few words about each wine you try: the name, the price, what it tasted like and whether you liked it. A notes app on your phone is perfect. Over time you’ll start to see patterns in what you enjoy.
4. Learn the main grapes
You don’t need to know hundreds of grapes. Start with the big ones: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Once you know these well, everything else is easier to understand. Our guides to red wine and white wine are a good place to start.
5. Learn the main regions
Many European wines are labelled by place, not grape. Learning which grapes grow where unlocks wine labels. Read our guide to the wine regions of France as a starting point.
6. Try a mixed case
Mixed cases are a great way to try lots of different wines without committing to a full case of one. Customer Favourites Three Bottle Mixed Case is a good starter, and the German Wine Mixed Case is great for exploring Riesling.
7. Host a tasting with friends
Ask everyone to bring a bottle of the same grape from different countries, or the same style at different prices. Cover the labels and guess which is which. It’s fun, sociable and surprisingly educational.
8. Take a course
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) runs courses from beginner to expert level, taught by approved providers around the UK and online. The Level 1 and Level 2 Awards are perfect for enthusiasts. Many wine shops and wineries also run tasting evenings.
9. Visit vineyards
Visiting a vineyard brings wine to life. You don’t need to go abroad: English vineyards in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire offer tours and tastings. Read more in our guide to English wine.
10. Ask questions
Wine people love talking about wine. Ask staff in wine shops, sommeliers in restaurants and producers at tastings. Read our guide to getting the most from a sommelier.
Learn the language of wine
A few key terms will help you describe what you taste:
- Body: how heavy the wine feels in your mouth.
- Acidity: the fresh, mouth-watering quality.
- Tannin: the drying grip in red wines. See our guide to tannins.
- Finish: how long the flavour lasts after swallowing.
- Dry: not sweet.
Port tasting at home
A port tasting is a lovely introduction to how ageing changes wine. Graham’s Mini Port Selection includes five styles in miniature bottles.
FAQs
Do you need a good palate to become a wine expert?
No. Tasting is a skill that improves with practice, like any other.
What’s the best wine course for beginners?
The WSET Level 1 or Level 2 Award in Wines is a great starting point.
How long does it take to learn about wine?
You’ll notice a big difference after just a few months of tasting with attention. The rest is a lifelong, enjoyable journey.
Read our guide to what makes a fine wine next.