Five Common Wine Myths Debunked
The world of wine can be a maze of misconceptions, with myths often repeated at dinner parties and tastings alike. Chances are, you’ve encountered someone confidently waxing lyrical about wine “facts” that sound convincing but don’t quite add up. To help you cut through the noise, we’re tackling five of the most common wine myths and setting the record straight.
1. VINTAGE WINE IS ALWAYS BETTER
“Vintage” often sounds like a synonym for quality, but it’s not always the case. While vintage wines tend to carry a higher price tag, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better. The term simply means the wine is made from grapes harvested in the same year.
Non-vintage wines, on the other hand, are blends from multiple harvests. These blends are carefully crafted to achieve consistency in flavour, making them just as enjoyable as vintage wines, if not more so in some cases. Whether a wine is vintage or non-vintage, what truly matters is the skill of the winemaker and the quality of the grapes used.
For wine lovers who want to explore vintage and non-vintage bottles without breaking the bank, a wine subscription club is an excellent way to sample a wide variety of wines tailored to your tastes.
2. SCREW CAPS MEAN LOWER QUALITY WINE
The misconception that corked wines are inherently superior persists, particularly in Europe. The idea stems from the belief that corks allow wine to age better by letting tiny amounts of oxygen into the bottle. While this is true, cork’s tendency to shrink or expand over time can lead to inconsistent ageing and even flaws caused by cork taint.
Modern screw caps have eliminated these issues, allowing for steady, predictable ageing. In fact, many premium wineries around the world now use screw caps to ensure their wines remain fresh and free from flaws. So don’t be swayed by tradition—what’s under the cap matters far more than how the bottle is sealed.
If you’re part of the club, you’ll often find excellent screw cap wines in your curated selection, proving that quality doesn’t depend on the seal.
3. THICKER, HEAVIER BOTTLES MEAN BETTER WINE
Thick, heavy glass bottles may feel luxurious, but they don’t indicate better wine inside. The heft of the bottle is purely aesthetic, designed to give an impression of quality and justify a higher price tag.
Similarly, the depth of the punt (the concave dimple at the base of the bottle) is another misleading factor. While it might look fancy, it’s simply a design choice and has no bearing on the wine’s quality.
When you subscribe to a wine club, the focus is on delivering excellent wines for your palate, not marketing gimmicks like heavy bottles or deep punts. The proof of quality is in the glass, not the packaging.
4. FAMILY RUN WINERIES ALWAYS MEAN BETTER WINE
There’s a romantic notion that family-owned, independent wineries produce better wine because of their small scale and personal touch. While it’s true that many independent wineries make exceptional wines, it doesn’t mean large or medium-sized producers can’t do the same.
Larger wineries often have access to top-tier grapes and the resources to hire talented winemakers, resulting in excellent wines. Prejudice against larger producers can prevent you from discovering some truly great bottles.
A wine subscription service can introduce you to both boutique, family-run wineries and larger producers, ensuring you taste a variety of quality wines from all over the world.
5. EXPENSIVE WINE IS ALWAYS BETTER
It’s easy to assume that the higher the price tag, the better the wine. While premium wines from renowned wineries often justify their cost with exceptional craftsmanship and quality, this isn’t a universal rule.
On the other hand, ultra-cheap wines—those costing a fiver or less—rarely deliver anything memorable due to production costs and low-quality ingredients. The sweet spot lies in the mid-range. Wines from small or medium-scale producers focusing on quality over quantity often provide the best value for money, offering flavour and complexity without the need for extravagance.
One of the biggest perks of joining a wine club is gaining access to expertly selected, mid-range wines that deliver exceptional quality without the hefty price tag.
THE TAKEAWAY
The world of wine is full of myths, but separating fact from fiction is part of the fun. Whether you’re exploring vintage bottles, screw-capped gems, or mid-range finds, the key is to focus on what you enjoy.
With a decent wine subscription, you can easily explore a curated selection of wines tailored to your preferences, helping you discover new favourites and gain confidence in your wine knowledge. So pour yourself a glass, let go of the myths, and savour the journey. Cheers!
WANT MORE?
Check out our article on discovering your palate.