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Step 1
Decide on a general type of wine—red, white, sparkling, dessert or other variation. Within these categories is a large selection of styles. Narrow your choices and choose a general category. Consider how you will serve the wine as well—with a meal or alone.
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Step 2
Choose a California chardonnay if you enjoy white wine. The most popular California-produced white, it's usually moderately dry with hints of fruit and pairs well with almost all foods. A plethora of wineries in the state produce this variety, and the taste will vary depending on your choice. Riesling and sauvignon blanc are also good white choices from California.
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Step 3
Pick a cabernet sauvignon if you want a red variety. California wineries produce a variety of bold, robust red wines, but cabernet is the most popular. It pairs well with meats and pastas. Also look for merlot and pinot noir; these are other popular choices from California.
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Step 4
Consider a Californian sparkling wine for special occasions. Though not technically "champagne" (only those produced in the Champagne region of France are such), they have the same distinct flavor. Pick a variety that suits your tastes—brut is the driest of sparkling wines, while demi-sec is sweeter.
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Step 5
Select a California port wine for after dinner or dessert. Higher in sugar than normal wine, port works well with sweets. California is well-known for its popular port selections.
