How good are you at selecting wines?

If you’re anything at all like me in this area, the answer is nowhere near expert, but I know what I like.  I know of a few wines I really enjoy, a few I can tolerate well enough, and still others I wouldn’t waste my time or money dealing with.  Of course, my choices are based on taste alone for the most part (I will try something on a trusted recommendation), so I tend to return to that same handful of just a few varieties.  And I know my lack of adventure is depriving me of some fine wines I would like if only I would try them.

Fortunately, I’m not the only one in this predicament, and wine clubs are a good way to broaden our horizons.  The Gold Medal Wine Club just sent me a gift of two bottles, and they included “The Wine Press,” a handy newsletter with a lot of information about this month’s featured winery in the Sonoma Valley.  I even got some yummy recipes to use with my wine!  This particular wine club features only small but good wineries in California, so it’s sure to be something I’ve never tasted before.  Sounds like a fun time is in store!

I got one bottle of Chardonnay (one of my favorites), a crisp, delicate white, and another of Zinfandel, a full, rich red that will stand up to any hearty meal.  And both wines have won numerous awards.

I’ll never forget the time we toured a winery and BJ asked if they had any beer during the wine tasting.  Neither of us are big drinkers, but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine occasionally, and I’m really looking forward to these two.  Thanks for the gift, Gold Medal, and thanks as well for helping those of us who don’t know so much still find those hidden treasures.