⌕Explore Wines

Wine Guides

Simple, practical wine guides for every level: start with the basics, explore grapes and regions, and learn how to store, serve and buy wine with confidence.

New to wine? Start here

Learn Wine in 4 Easy Steps

1
Wine 101
The main styles and how to taste like a pro.
2
Types of Wine
The grapes you'll see most and what they taste like.
3
Read a Wine Label
Decode producer, region, grape and vintage.
4
Wine Glossary
Tannin, terroir, Brut and more, in plain English.

All Wine Guides

AllWine 101Wine TypesRegionsStorage & ServingBuying Guides
Best Wines Under $20
Buying Guides

Best Wines Under $20

Great-value reds, whites, rosés and bubbles you can find at most stores.

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How to Store Wine at Home
Storage & Serving

How to Store Wine at Home

Temperature, light, humidity and position: simple rules to keep wine tasting its best.

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Wine 101: A Beginner's Guide
Wine 101

Wine 101: A Beginner's Guide

Everything a new wine drinker needs to know: the main styles, how to taste and how to find wines you'll love.

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How to Read a Wine Label
Wine 101

How to Read a Wine Label

Producer, region, grape, vintage and the terms that tell you what's in the bottle.

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Red vs. White Wine: Key Differences
Wine Types

Red vs. White Wine: Key Differences

How red and white wines are made, how they taste and when to choose each.

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Wine Glass Guide: Types & Uses
Storage & Serving

Wine Glass Guide: Types & Uses

Do glass shapes really matter? The main types and which ones you actually need.

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Grape Guides

All Types of Wine →
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold, structured and steak-ready.
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Merlot
Plush, plummy and easy to love.
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Pinot Noir
Silky, aromatic and food-friendly.
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Chardonnay
Crisp or buttery: find your style.
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Sauvignon Blanc
Zesty, herbal and refreshing.
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Champagne vs. Prosecco
How they differ and when to pour each.
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Malbec
Plush, purple and made for the grill.
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Syrah & Shiraz
Same grape, two personalities.
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Zinfandel
Jammy, spicy and born for BBQ.
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Riesling
Dry to sweet, perfect with spicy food.
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Rosé
How pink wine is made and styles to try.

How-To Guides

Wine Tools →
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How to Taste Wine
The five S's of tasting like a pro.
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How to Decant Wine
Which wines need it, and for how long.
⏳
How Long Open Wine Lasts
A simple chart by wine type.
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Glasses per Bottle
Pours, bottle sizes and party math.

Explore Wine Regions

Find Wineries →

Where great wine comes from, what each region is known for and what to drink there.

Bordeaux
France

Bordeaux

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Champagne
France

Champagne

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Marlborough
New Zealand

Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Mendoza
Argentina

Mendoza

Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Torrontés
Napa Valley
United States

Napa Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Provence
France

Provence

Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Rolle
Sonoma County
United States

Sonoma County

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel
Tuscany
Italy

Tuscany

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Vermentino
Veneto
Italy

Veneto

Glera, Corvina, Garganega, Pinot Grigio
Willamette Valley
United States

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris

Gear We Recommend

All Accessories →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

WOTOR Reusable Wine Stoppers
Best budget preserver

WOTOR Wine Stoppers

Reusable stoppers that reseal an opened bottle so leftover wine keeps longer in the fridge.

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Coravin Timeless Three Wine Preservation System
Best for collectors

Coravin Timeless Three

Coravin's needle system pours wine through the cork, so you can taste a special bottle without opening it.

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Coravin Pivot Plus Wine Preservation System
Best for drinking one glass at a time

Coravin Pivot Plus

Pour a glass, then protect the rest of the bottle with argon so it stays fresh for weeks.

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Pulltaps Classic Double-Hinged Corkscrew
Best budget opener

Pulltaps Corkscrew

The classic double-hinged waiter's corkscrew sommeliers carry: compact, reliable and easy to use.

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Learn Wine the Easy Way

Our guides break wine down into simple, practical steps: how wine is made, the main grapes and regions, how to read a label, how to store and serve wine, and how to buy great bottles at any budget.

Wine Basics FAQ

What's the best way to start learning about wine?

Taste a few classic styles side by side, like a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet, and note what you like. Our Wine 101 guide walks you through it.

What is the difference between red and white wine?

Red wine ferments with the grape skins, which add color and tannin; white wine is pressed off the skins first. See red vs. white wine.

How should I store wine at home?

Keep it cool (around 55°F), dark and steady, with corked bottles on their side. A wine fridge is the easiest option. Read how to store wine.

Do I need special wine glasses?

Not to start. One good universal glass with a thin rim works for most wines. Our wine glass guide explains when shape matters.

How can I find good wine on a budget?

Look to value regions like Portugal, Spain, Chile, Argentina and Washington State. See our best wines under $20.