How to Become a Wine Expert

Red wine

Wine is a complex subject to understand. Many people study for years and still feel like they are only scratching the surface of the wine world. When starting your quest to become a wine expert, focus on a specific region or grape varietal. Trying to conquer the entire wine world at once can be overwhelming. However, don't limit yourself in the wines that you taste. Compare bottles of wine from all over the world and in all price ranges.

Things You'll Need

• Wine and glasses
• Notebook and pen
• Wine books and magazines
• Money for classes and tastings

Instructions

1. Start by tasting wine. Swirl, sniff and sip as many wines as possible. Tasting different varieties and styles of wine helps you become familiar with wine. Notice distinctive characteristics in each varietal or something that sets one apart from another. Taste the same varietal, but from different winemakers or of different vintages. Notice the differences within the same varietal.

2. Take notes. Keep a notebook and pen with you when tasting wine. Note the appearance, smells and taste of the wine. Write down as much information as possible. Over time, your notes should become more detailed and more in-depth. Look over notes when you taste the same wine at a later date or a different vintage of the same wine.

3. Read wine materials. Educate yourself through a variety of sources, such as books, magazines and online references. Make sure the source is credible and knowledgeable regarding wine. Lean about various grapes and wine regions, providing a better understanding of wine.

4. Take wine education classes. A wide variety of wine education classes exist. Start with a basic class offered by a local wine shop, community college or winery. Consider a more in-depth training program offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers (see Resources for link) to obtain your master sommelier credentials.

5. Visit wineries, wine regions and wine shops. Make stops at local wine shops for wine tastings and to ask questions of on-staff wine professionals. Plan trips to wine regions and visit wineries. Call ahead for an appointment to tour a winery, view production facilities and enjoy a tasting.

Tips & Warnings

• When wine tasting, many professionals spit to avoid becoming intoxicated.

References

• Windows on the World Complete Wine Course; Kevin Zraly; 2008
• The Only Wine Book You'll Ever Need; Danny May; 2004

Resources

• Master Sommeliers