HELP!

[stevebody]

BFM,

Greetings to Thomasville from a Greensboro native stranded in Seattle! (By choice, for twelve years)

In answering the same question for my customers, I've found these wines to be great starter bottles, at a modest cost, that help you get to know the varietals (grapes) and experience them in a friendly, easy-to-drink style. They should be available in NC. If you can't find any of them, I'll be glad to offer alternatives or you can ask around at Triad wine shops and see if they can get them.

Cabernet: Estancia or Lockwood (both about $11)
Zinfandel: Ravenswood Vintner's Blend or Bogle Old Vines (Both about $10)
Syrah: PEPPERWOOD GROVE or J. Lohr (7/11)
Merlot: Blackwood or Hogue Genesis (8/12)
Blends: Laurel Glen Reds, Coppola Rosso, Masi Modello della Venezia

Those are the basics. Pinot, Grenache, and all the various Italian stuff can wait until you decide if you like the more popular stuff. Remember two things: Wine BREATHES. After you take the first sip, you may not like the wine all that much. Let it sit open for an hour or so and then try it again. It should soften and develop other flavors. Secondly, these are just MY suggestions. My customers seem to agree but ask your local wine guys for others. Develop a relationship with a wine steward in Greensboro or W-S. Let them get to know your likes and dislikes and they can lead you to new stuff, IF they're listening. If they keep suggesting clunkers, MOVE ON. Life is too short to drink bad wine!