Need Wine Help? Start with These 5 Simple Questions

Let’s be honest—wine shops can be intimidating. With shelves full of bottles labeled in different languages and price points ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But buying wine doesn’t have to be confusing or awkward!

Whether you're picking up a bottle for a dinner party, hosting an event, or just stocking your own stash, these five questions will help you make confident, thoughtful wine choices. Don’t hesitate to ask the wine shop employees for assistance. That’s what they’re there for and they love to help!

1. What’s the occasion (or meal)?

This is the most important question to start with. Are you:

• Hosting a cozy dinner at home?
• Planning a celebratory brunch or a business mixer?
• Grabbing a gift for a friend?
• Looking for something to go with takeout?

A wine for a sunny patio lunch will be very different than one for a hearty winter dinner party. Let the staff know the vibe (or menu), and they’ll guide you to something that fits. Mention if it's indoor or outdoor, daytime or evening, and the number of guests if you’re planning for a group.

2. Do you want red, white, rosé—or are you open to suggestions?

You don’t need to have all the answers—but it helps to share your preferences or what you're curious to try. Even saying “I usually drink red but want something lighter” gives the person helping you a great starting point.

3. What flavors or styles do you usually enjoy?

You don't have to name grapes or regions—think flavor vibes. Do you like:

• Dry or a touch of sweet?
• Fruity or earthy?
• Light and crisp, or full and velvety?

Even mentioning a wine you’ve enjoyed before ("I had a Pinot Grigio I really liked last week") can steer the conversation in the right direction.

4. What’s your budget?

There’s zero shame in this question—wine professionals want to help you find the best bottle within your range. Most shops carry great options under $20, and even events don’t require top-dollar bottles to make a strong impression.

Tip for events: Ask what wine offers the best quality-to-price ratio if you're buying multiple bottles.

5. How will you serve it?

Will your guests be sipping from elegant stemware? Stemless glasses? Picnic cups?
Are you chilling whites in a bucket, or pouring reds next to the grill?

Thinking about how the wine will be served—indoors or outdoors, self-serve or passed, formal or relaxed—can help you choose a wine that fits the format and enhances the experience.

Light-bodied reds like Gamay or Lambrusco can be served chilled for casual summer gatherings. A crisp sparkling wine might be more fun than a heavy white for a celebratory toast in flutes.

Final Thoughts from a Sommelier…

The more you ask, the better your experience will be—and any good wine shop (or sommelier) will love helping you find something that fits. There’s no such thing as a dumb wine question. In fact, asking is how you learn.

Want help planning wines for your next event, tasting, or gathering? Let’s create a wine experience that feels fun, welcoming, and totally stress-free.

Reach out to Tasty Wandering—we’ll handle the wine, you bring the guests.

‍