Tired of being laughed at

[Innkeeper]

Hi Andrea, and welcome to the Wine Board. Whites are much easier than reds. For whites you can pick up almost any Riesling that does not say "Dry" or "Troken" on the label, and does not come from Alsace or Australia. German Riesling Spatleses are a good place to start. Also those from the Finger Lakes just north of you that just say Riesling on the label. They also always add the word "Dry" to the dry ones. Chenin Blanc particularly in the wine Vouvray from the Loire Region of France is widely available, and inexpensive. For Chenin Blanc from other areas, again just stay away from those who claim they are dry.

For reds the easiest source are the Lambruscos from the area of Italy on the West Coast not far from Rome. Reunite is the most common brand, but has a not well deserved reputation among those who think they know. To avoid conflict look for other brands. Your local wineries in New Jersey almost all make sweet red wines. Just Google "New Jersey Wineries" and you should find these easily. Stay away from fruit wines, be sure they are made from grapes. Good luck.