Hi, I inherited a wine cabinet and would like to start collecting. I was wondering where the best place is to learn about what to buy, when to buy and when to drink, etc. My husband and I love California reds and want to learn more. Thanks for your expertise!

You have found a good a place to start as any.

Welcome to our disfunctional little family!

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"One may dislike carrots, spinach, beetroot, or the skin on hot milk. But not wine. It is like hating the air that one breathes, since each is equally indispensable."

Marcel Ayme`

I would recommend tasting as much as you can. Your budget is obviously a factor as well. With a cabinet you can store ready-to-drink or drink-in-near-future bottles. Look for value-based wines of all varieties first and see what you like. You may also want to examine what type of wine drinking you may be interested in. Are you both going to crack open a bottle and try it every now and then, or will it always be with food? In that case... what kind of food do you like? Are you willing to try new foods? The possibilities are endless. I think an easy red to begin w/ is a fruit-forward Cabernet or Merlot, and an easy white would be either a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. But again... don't limit your choices to those two. Find a reputable wine shop in your area, and ask for some recommendations. Sometimes they have good ideas... sometimes they are idiots. Do your reading as well

God gave us things on this earth to enjoy. Do not abuse them, and do not allow them consume you.

Welcome!

First, take a piece of paper and decide what your wine buying budget will be. Then throw that paper away because you'll blow that budget within the first couple of weeks.

Seriously, if you have a good wine store nearby, that is a great place to start. Go in and explain to the salesperson what you know you like -- CA Cabernet, French White Burgandies, whatever... and ask him to recommend a bottle that he thinks you'll like. Suggest to him various price points -- whatever you're comfortable with -- under $15, under $25, under $50. I'd start at the low end until you have a good working relationship with this salesperson. If the salesperson can't do task, you've got the wrong store. Take a few of his suggestions home with you. With the right salesperson/store, you will eventually be able to trust recommendations that expand your tastes to other varietals and wine styles.

Make Cab, not War.

Feel free to note down their suggestions and bring them here to see if they pass the forum test. I mean it.

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Free Winona!