Where does one go for wine information? Most of you probably start with a relative or friend, who considers themselves a “wine expert”. Otherwise, you might ask the “guys” who own the local wine store, like the two who own Clinton Wine & Spirits. They will know their inventory very well, which naturally their “recommendations” will tend you towards. But, they will also have a good general knowledge of wine and can usually “special order” you specific wines not on their shelves. I have done this myself from several different wine stores over the years. For many of us, it’s the person who serves the wine at the restaurant we are dining at, if they have such a person. Most of the time, unless you live in a big city, this “wine steward” is not a Sommelier. A working Sommelier usually wears a lapel pin (e.g. cluster of grapes) that identifies them as such. In most cases, the main difference between the 2 is that the Sommelier has taken years of coursework and tests, in addition to working in the industry.
For those of you who might be the “bookish” type, there are many good reference guides. As you may know from my previous posts, I use 2: The World Atlas of Wine (WAoW) 8th edition by Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson and The Oxford Companion to Wine (OCtW) 4th edition by Jancis Robinson & Julia Harding. Obviously, anything by Jancis is a winner. But, currently these two volumes are the “must haves” by most wine professionals. In addition, I, like any Sommelier, have my many course notes, which I refer to most often. Otherwise, you might go to the internet looking for information. The “gold standard” (in my opinion) is the Wine Spectator (WS). They have an internet presence, publish a monthly magazine, and are the one that everyone else imitates! Of the remaining 10 or more wine rating sites, I would recommend James Suckling. He started out working for WS and has built a solid reputation in the industry. I subscribe to both and frequently refer to them in my blogs.
Finally, you might want to attend a local wine tasting or seminar that includes tasting. It can be a great way to get your “feet wet” in the world of wine. That’s what got me hooked 40 years ago when I took a seminar in college! I have conducted enough wine tastings over the years to know that most people really enjoy this form of wine education. Otherwise, go to where the wine is made and learn as much as you can about “their” wine. Wineries are great source of information and a fun field trip. Whether it’s local, in another state, or another country, grape growing/ wine making people are very down to earth, friendly, and love to talk about wine! Alternatively, you still have this blog, which hopefully works for you as a reliable/ relatable source of wine information.
That will do it for Post #41. Next time will be a Food & Wine appetizer one that my wife and I have really gotten into lately. Be sure to check it out. Cheers!