The “top 10 ways you can fake wine knowledge on a first date (and sound like a pro!)”! Here’s what you need to know:
First things first, you’ll have to put in a little time to get yourself prepped to sound like a wine pro. No need to stress, the internet is your friend and it’s easier than you think!
Here’s a top-ten list to help you blow your date’s mind:
1) Learn some basic wine knowledge. Did you know that new-world wine is named after the grape while old-world wine is named for the region it’s from? For example, chardonnay wine is made from the chardonnay grape, and Chianti is from the Chianti region of Italy.
2) Learn how to pronounce some of the more popular grape varietals. There are lots of websites and videos out there that can help you learn. Check out a couple before you butcher gewürztraminer … or viognier!https://youtu.be/s_mNNbXzd0o
3) Learn some basic wine and food pairings. Get these down-pat to rock the date:
Chardonnay – seafood, shellfish, pasta in cream sauce
Sauvignon blanc – oysters, anything with goat cheese
Riesling – fried foods
Rosé – charcuterie plates
Pinot noir – duck
Cabernet sauvignon – steak
Shiraz – French fries
4) Typically, white wines pair with lighter foods while red wines pair nicely with heavy dishes but there really aren’t too many wrong answers so don’t sweat it too much.
5) Become familiar with wine lists and learn how to navigate one. It would be a shame if you were handed a wine list and couldn’t wrap your head around it! http://www.dummies.com/food-drink/drinks/wine/how-to-analyze-the-wine-list/
6) Learn how to drink wine. There’s a method to wine tasting and knowing it will help build your confidence on the date. On a side note, there’s no pressure on perfecting the swirl, that takes time. http://winefolly.com/review/how-to-taste-wine-develop-palate/
7) Handle your wine glass by the stem not the bowl. This one’s a common error that many newbie wine drinkers make. Leave your hands off the bowl and stick to the stem.
8) Choose a date location that serves local wines. Like seriously, how cool would it be to enjoy the Traynor Family Vineyard sauvignon blanc at your favourite restaurant and then take your date to the winery on your second date! Pat yourself on the back, you are on your game!
9) If your palms are sweaty and you've forgotten everything you learned, don’t be afraid to ask the sommelier if they have any wine and food pairing suggestions. They might even work with you “behind the scenes” to help you wow your date!
10) Make sure you know what a sommelier is! A sommelier is a professional, credentialed wine steward who oversees the wine program at a restaurant. There is no better person to ask for a food and wine pairing suggestion and they are always happy to share.
Above all, enjoy! Wine is all about fun, flavour, and passion – drink it up! And good luck on your date – you’ve got this!
