As a sommelier, I am often asked by customers, friends and family, “What should I be drinking and how much should I spend?” As far back as the early 1990’s, when my interest in wine was growing, I always told anyone that asked me those questions to, “drink what you like and like what you drink.” All these years later after achieving my Level III, I still believe in that statement. That being said, with all the great wine being produced around the world I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone occasionally to expand your wine horizons.

One of the most common mistakes people make is selecting a wine based purely on price assuming that the more expensive it is, the better it will taste. Buying wine based on high scores from wine critics is another mistake. High scores do not necessarily equate to your personal enjoyment of the wine. Let’s say you like light to medium bodied red wines with notes of red fruit like Pinot Noir. You see a left bank Bordeaux that received 93 points from a leading critic. You purchase that wine based on its scores alone not knowing that it will be a full-bodied wine with dark fruit, leather and spice.

When guiding clients in selecting the right wine, I start by understanding their preferences: Are they new to wine or more experienced? Do they enjoy bold reds or delicate whites? Once I have a sense of their tastes, I consider the occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner, a wedding, or a special anniversary dinner—and suggest wines that fit both their palate and the setting. I also focus on pairing wines with food, as the right wine can elevate a meal and vice versa.

Wine is a journey, not a destination. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a hidden gem from a lesser-known region or a new technique in winemaking. As a sommelier and wine cellar consultant, it’s my privilege to guide others on this journey, helping them find wines that suit their tastes and make their experiences even more memorable.