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Step 1: Taste & Try

Let’s keep this simple:
The best way to learn wine is to drink wine.

Not analyze it. Not overthink it. Just try it.

Most beginners run into two common reactions:

• “It’s too bitter.”
• “It all tastes the same.”

Kimo’s thoughts on these two reactions:

Think of it like coffee or dark chocolate. The first time? Maybe not your favorite.
A few tries later? A completely different story. However, when trying wine, make sure to have water and light flavored cheeses to compliment the tasting to give you a clear example of the taste and flavor of the wine.

Kimo’s tip:
Start with wines that are easier to enjoy to work your way toward bolder styles:

• Smooth reds (like Merlot, Syrah, or Pinot Noir)
• Crisp whites (like Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Slightly fruity wines (don’t worry, no judgment here)

Step 2: Find What You Like

Wine is personal, very personal. We each will find our own pathway into flavors and aromas we prefer. Anyone can tell you what is good, or the best but, it is up to your own palate to determine what is good to you.

There’s no “best wine”—only the wine you enjoy drinking.

Instead of asking, “Is this a good wine?”
Start asking, “Do I like this?”

Pay attention to simple things:

• Do you like it lighter or bolder?
• Smooth or a little more intense?
• Dry or slightly fruity?
• Does this wine taste balanced? (Not harsh or too alcoholic)
• Finally, think about what foods it would complement.

You don’t need fancy terms—just notice your reactions.

Kimo’s tip:

It is a difficult process to determine which wines to try. Lower cost wines can be a good starting point if done judiciously with some research of the varietals, wineries, and notes of the styles tasted. Likely, you may notice a few flavors in their profiles and then you can learn from there to decide your preferences. You will begin to expand your own flavor profiles and recognize more features as you taste.

Step 3: Explore (Without Breaking the Bank)

Great wine does not have to be expensive.

One of the biggest myths in wine is that price equals quality. It does not! There are plenty of examples expressing this point. However, though it can seem very expensive, wine tends to be more cost-effective in a by-the-glass comparison.

There are incredible wines at approachable price points—you just need to know where to look (that’s where Grapeolicious comes in).

Kimo’s tip:
Set a comfortable range and explore within it.
Try different regions, different grapes, different styles.

You’re not “risking” anything—you’re learning.

Step 4: Learn a Little (But Not Too Much at Once)

Yes, wine has history, regions, terminology, and structure—but you don’t need all of it on day one.

The goal isn’t to memorize.
The goal is to understand just enough to enjoy more.

Start small:

• What’s the difference between red and white (beyond color)?
• What does “dry” actually mean?
• Why do some wines feel heavier than others?

As you taste, these things will start to click.

Kimo’s tip:
Learn as you go. A little knowledge + real tasting = confidence. Key to building that confidence is to make personal notes (which will be addressed later) to help you remember what you just experienced for future.

Step 5: Enjoy the Journey

This is the most important step.

Wine is not a test. There’s no final exam.
You don’t “arrive” at wine—with well over 10,000 varietals, you keep discovering it.

Every new bottle, every vintage, every region… it’s all part of the experience.

Your palate will change and grow with you. Your preferences will evolve.
That’s not a problem—that IS the point.

Kimo’s philosophy:
For over 8,000 years, wine has continued to evolve. So will you.

Now, let’s get to tasting!