How to find a good wine

First, forget everything you've been told about the "rules." If you find that a red brings out the flavor of a particular seafood dish, go for it. Similarly, don't be afraid to try a white with red meat. While it is true that certain varieties pair especially well with certain food spices, textures, and flavors, there is ample room for individual tastes.

Second, don't fall into the price trap. Retailers know that if a wine has an obscene price tag, the customer assumes the wine is good. With a few exceptions for rare vintages, you should be able to find a fantastic "special" wine under $30, and a decent "everyday" wine for $10 or less. If you are fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe's with a liquor license, you can find some very tasty bottles for as little as $4. Very few wines justify a $50+ price tag.

Third, do not assume that all good wines must have a cork. Some of the newest wines now feature screw-tops.

Fourth, don't immediately head to a large store. Check out small, independent retailers. These places are generally staffed by people who love to share their knowledge and favorite bottles. Ask around for places that cater largely to restaurants. My favorite wine shop is nestled into a commercial office park in suburban NJ. Philly's top sommeliers patronize this little gem for its extremely well-picked selection.

Fifth, start a wine journal. Give each wine a page. Peel off the label, glue to the page, and jot a few notes about how it tasted and what you ate with the wine.

Sixth, take a course at a wine school, visit a winery, and attend wine tastings. Many wine stores will offer a free wine tasting every month. A class will teach you how to drink a wine, how to describe it, and how to best enjoy it. A visit to a winery will teach you about different types of grapes, how weather and soil conditions influence flavor, and how wine is made. A winery visit is a great way to spend a summer Saturday, and most wineries offer free admission and free tastings.

Finally, don't stick to one variety. Experiment. Even if you only drink Merlot, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn you enjoy the light taste of a sweet Riesling.

Picture credit.

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Tip/trick/lesson of the day: Rotating and flipping your mattress every 3 months will prolong its life.