a little help from my friends

[res0fe61]

so how does someone get started with wines? so far, all iv'e really done is gone out and experimented with a couple of bottles. iv'e never gone anything over $10.00 on wine and i need to know what are some of the factors of what makes wine more expensive than others. i like chard but i want to know what types of wines are good for when your'e just trying to enjoy it without food or desert because cabernet sauvignon was not all that great. chard, merlot, and cabernet sauvinon are the different types of wines i have so far.

[winoweenie]

resOFe61 welcome to the board. You are doing what everyone on the board would reccomed you do. ...Experiment and try different wines till you find the type that rings your bell. You must have a wine shop in your town that conducts tastings and seminars. Go to them. NOTHING beats experience. Good luck and have fun with the grape. WW

[cpurvis]

Res, I agree w/ WW 'bout seminar/tastings. Talk w/ personnel in a couple of local wine shops about what you've liked/disliked in the Chards, Cabs, & Merlots you've tasted & ask for their suggestions. There are other varietals that tend to be friendlier starting points for tasting.

For whites, try Rieslings. For reds, ask about blends & fruitier options.

And feel free to come back to the Board w/ your tasting notes and/or questions.

Cheers, cp