There’s a moment in every wine drinker’s life when they realise they know absolutely nothing about wine. The first sip of something truly magnificent might do it. The disappointment of an overpriced bottle that tastes like regret might also do it. But however you come to it, the conclusion is the same: wine is vast, intimidating, and filled with people who seem to know infinitely more than you.

The trick, of course, is to care just enough but not too much. To learn the rules so you can break them with flair. Wine is not about memorising tasting notes or revering the soil of a vineyard you’ll never visit—it’s about pleasure. Here’s how to get started without the fuss.

1. How to pick a wine without losing your mind

The shelves in a wine shop can feel like a coded language designed to exclude all but the most devout followers. Ignore the noise.

 – The best wine shops – online and in person –  employ people who love wine and want to share that love. Talk to them. Tell them what you like. Accept their suggestions.

 – A more expensive bottle doesn’t always mean a better one. A well-chosen £15 bottle can be far more interesting than a thoughtlessly bought £50 one.

matters more than memorising every grape variety. Once you find a grape variety you enjoy and follow it around the world. Or pick a region and drink your way through its expressions. The point is to experiment, take notes and build a mental map over time of the places, producers and varieties that excite you.

Most wines are made to be drunk young. Some, however, reward patience with depth and complexity. If you’re curious:

 – Keep wine somewhere dark and cool with minimal temperature swings. Cork-sealed bottles should lie down; screw tops can stand.

 – Do a little research before stashing bottles away. The heartbreak of opening an oxidised, lifeless wine years later is best avoided.

Some wines open up beautifully when given a little air. Others don’t need the fuss.

 – Big, bold wines with firm tannins often benefit from an hour in a decanter. It softens their edges, like letting a song build to its crescendo.

 – If you can’t be bothered with a decanter, just swirl your glass. Oxygen helps wine unfold, revealing layers you might have missed.

You don’t need a cellar or a wine fridge, but a few good tools will improve your drinking experience.

 – The shape of a glass genuinely makes a difference. A simple, tulip-shaped wine glass works for nearly everything. Read our piece on choosing the right glass 

 – There’s nothing sadder than mangling a cork because your opener is a flimsy tourist souvenir.

 – A carafe, a jug, or anything with a wide base will do. It’s not about the aesthetics, though there are some nice ones out there, it’s about letting the wine breathe.

5. How to taste wine without making a big song and dance about it

There is a way to assess a wine in an effective, non-showy way.

 – Hold your glass up to the light. Is it deep and inky? Pale and translucent? These clues tell you about the grape, the age, the intensity.

 – Swirl the glass and take a proper sniff. Fruit, spice, earth, flowers—wine contains multitudes.

 – Take a sip and let it linger. Is it sharp and bright, or rich and round? How long does the flavour last? All of this tells you something, but most importantly, do you like it?

*For a little detail, please read our how to taste article 

 – it's easier than you think – and more fun than wine courses may suggest.

6. Finding what you like (without blindly following trends)

Wine is personal – you don’t have to like what other people like. Wine is communal – an experience shared can often enhance the pleasure.

 – Jot down the names of wines you enjoy. Patterns will emerge. Maybe you love wines from volcanic soil. Maybe you hate anything aged in oak.

 – They’re a great way to try new wines without committing to a full bottle. Plus, you can ask the person pouring questions and learn more along the way.

Join a wine club (if you can be bothered)

 – A good wine subscription introduces you to new bottles curated to your tastes. A bad one just sends you leftovers they couldn’t sell. Choose wisely.

7. How to pair wine with food (without a degree in chemistry)

Pairing wine and food is part science, part instinct. Don’t overthink it.

 – Light dishes go with light wines, rich dishes need something bolder. A delicate Muscadet will disappear next to a steak. A heavy Amarone will steamroll a salad.

 – If a wine has been drunk alongside a certain cuisine for centuries, there’s usually a good reason for it. Chianti and tomato-based pasta? Magic.

 – If you love a combination, drink it. No one’s going to arrest you for pairing Pinot Noir with oysters (even if some will judge you quietly).

*To go a level, read our as wine and food matching guide 

 and our guide matching cuisines with wine 

8. The art of starting a wine collection without losing your shirt

You don’t need a cellar or an investment portfolio, just a few bottles you love.

 – Buy a few bottles you know you’ll drink. Then buy a few more to explore something new.

 – Some reds, some whites, a sparkling or two. A wine for every occasion means you’ll always have something on hand.

You can spend a lifetime learning about wine, but it should always be about enjoyment.

 – Some books are fascinating, others are just long-winded lists of tasting notes. 

 – A WSET course or a local tasting class can sharpen your palate and boost your confidence.

 – Find a writer, shop, or Instagram account whose recommendations align with your tastes. It’s the fastest way to learn.

10. Drink what you love, and ignore the bores

At the end of the day, wine is about pleasure.

 – The more you drink, the more you’ll discover.

Wine should never feel like homework. It should be like a long, leisurely lunch – a bottle emptied in good company, with plenty of conversation and no rush to the end. Cheers to that.