Choosing a Bottle of Wine Without the Stress: A Fun & Easy Guide

Picking the perfect wine for any occasion, whether it’s for a Friday night at home, a celebration, special event, or a thoughtful gift, can feel overwhelming with the many choices out there. But don’t worry, it’s way easier and less daunting than it seems! Over the years I have learned how to make this process much easier and less overwhelming and I now find that picking out wines can be fun!

Brad (my husband) has some great wine knowledge: from managing the wine list at a fine dining restaurant for many years to earning his Level One Sommelier certification, to making his own wine as a fun hobby, combined with my Napa Valley upbringing and years of enjoying  and tasting wines from Napa and Sonoma, we have made picking the perfect wine a breeze and are excited to share our tips!

Our Tips and Tricks:

Step 1: Set Your Budget
First things first, how much do you want to spend?  Keep this in mind when browsing the wine aisles.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great bottle. There are amazing wines at every price point, so whether you’re keeping it budget-friendly or feeling fancy, there are great options to choose from. A $20 bottle can be just as awesome as a much more expensive one, it’s all about the vibe you’re going for and what you enjoy.

Step 2: Pick Your Style
Are you in the mood for a bold, velvety red wine to serve with a delicious steak or pasta dish, or a light, crisp white that refreshes you after a long day while you relax on your patio? I personally love bubbles!  Sparkling wine or champagne always makes things feel a little more festive, even if it is just a mellow Friday night.  Whatever you’re in the mood for, choose what you enjoy!

Fun Tip/Trick: Here’s a fun trick Brad uses: How do you take your coffee? Sounds weird, right? Trust me, it works!

• If you like your coffee with cream and sugar (that’s me!), you might enjoy softer, approachable wines like a buttery Chardonnay (try ZD Chardonnay) or a smooth Pinot Noir (Flowers Pinot Noir is a favorite).
• If you’re a black coffee drinker (like Brad), you probably lean toward bolder, more acidic wines like a robust Cabernet (try Trefethen Cabernet) or a zesty Syrah.

This isn’t a hard rule, but it’s a great way to start if you’re trying to figure out what you like.

Step 3: Still not sure? Let Us Help!
If you’re still feeling unsure, head over to Napa Sonoma Supply’s website and check out our wine ratings. We’ve developed a personalized system specifically for gifting purposes, and it can be helpful when you need help picking out the perfect bottle.  You can always visit us in store or give us a call.  We are happy to suggest a wine that fits your budget, taste and style.

Step 4: Add a Special Touch  
Buying a bottle of wine as a gift or just for you to enjoy?  Either way, pair it with delicious charcuterie essentials or a decadent chocolate bar or even take it a step further and pair it with an indulgent gift basket filled with gourmet goodies (hint: we have some incredible ones at Napa Sonoma Supply!). This will take your gift to the next level and make it feel extra special.

Step 5: Have Fun with It!
If you are giving the wine as a gift, now it’s time to get creative!  Whether you’re putting everything together at home or visiting us at Napa Sonoma Supply for a little extra help, this is the fun part. Put the wine (and treats!) in a basket, add a festive ribbon and a personalized note, whatever speaks to your style! It’s your chance to make it feel totally unique and thoughtful.

Choosing a great bottle of wine doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.  With these simple steps, you can turn what used to be a daunting task into a fun and easy experience. The next time you are looking for a bottle for yourself or to gift to someone else, remember these tips and enjoy every step of the process and, most importantly, enjoy the wine too!