How to Discover Your Wine Palate: 5 Expert Methods
With a good glass of wine, you can journey across continents, uncover centuries of tradition, and immerse yourself in cutting-edge winemaking. It’s a feast for the senses—and one of life’s simplest pleasures.
But with so many wines out there, finding the ones that suit your palate can feel daunting. Picking a bottle that doesn’t align with your tastes can be like an ill-matched first date—not exactly inspiring. So how do you find your perfect pour? By asking yourself the right questions, you can start exploring your preferences and discover what works best for you.
NB: Before exploring these specialised approaches, you can refresh yourself with the 8 steps of tasting to ensure you're building on solid sensory foundations (or feel free to dive in!).
1. ARE YOU SAVOURY OR SWEET?
This one’s easy. At the end of a meal, are you reaching for the dessert menu or eyeing up the cheeseboard? A sweet tooth might lead you to dessert wines like Moscato or an off-dry Riesling, while a love of savoury flavours might point you towards a bold red like Syrah or a crisp, dry white like Sauvignon Blanc.
Even your coffee order can be a clue—are you all about syrups and whipped cream, or do you prefer the bold simplicity of an espresso? Apply that same thinking to your wine preferences, and you’re halfway there.
2. DO YOU GO SAFE OR GO HOME?
Are you the type to jump headfirst into the unknown, or do you like to stick with tried-and-true favourites? Adventurous drinkers might enjoy exploring orange wines, biodynamic bottles, or lesser-known varietals like Tannat or Fiano.
If you prefer the classics, though, you can’t go wrong with a perfectly aged Bordeaux or a silky Pinot Noir. Wine has room for every kind of palate, whether you’re seeking the familiar or venturing into uncharted territory.
3. DO YOU FAVOUR COMPLEXITY OR FRESHNESS?
Think about your go-to dishes. Do you love rich, multi-layered flavours that linger long after the last bite, or do you gravitate towards light, vibrant meals that leave you feeling refreshed?
Wine mirrors these qualities. If you’re drawn to complexity, full-bodied reds like Malbec or oaked whites like Chardonnay will have plenty to offer. For those who prefer freshness and energy, try a zesty Albariño or a delicate Beaujolais.
4. ARE YOU MORE RUSTIC OR REFINED?
The meteoric rise of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines has added a new dimension to the wine world. If you’re someone who loves the tang of sourdough or the charm of a rustic sirloin steak, you might enjoy the unfiltered, earthy appeal of natural wines.
On the flip side, if you appreciate sleek, polished flavours, a refined Burgundy or a precisely crafted Champagne might be more your style. The beauty of wine is that it can cater to every mood and occasion.
5. DO YOU FAVOUR HARMONY OR CONTRAST?
Are you the type to experiment with daring flavour combinations, or do you prefer a clean, harmonious plate? If you love playing with contrasts—like pairing strawberries with a crack of black pepper—seek out wines with bold, layered profiles.
For those who value simplicity, single-varietal wines like Merlot or Chenin Blanc can offer a beautifully straightforward expression of their grapes. It’s all about what resonates most with your taste.
THE TAKEAWAY
Understanding your wine palate doesn’t have to be complicated. By asking yourself these questions and staying curious, you’ll discover what you enjoy most and find bottles that truly speak to your taste.
WHAT NEXT?
Now you've established some of the basic parameters, perhaps you can learn to train your palate, and even take some meaningful steps on the journey to expertise (helpfully avoiding the familiar 'wine bore' cliche).