Talk to strangers.
Yes, you should pay attention to the red-wine-with-meat, white-wine-with-fish-rule.
The well known regions in France, Italy, California, and Oregon all make great wines, but most of the good ones usually start at $20-25.
European wines tend to go better with a meal.
California wines lean to be enjoyed by the glass.
If you are having a meal from Italian, Spain, France, or other wine producing country, try to match it with a wine from there. These foods and wine grew up together, and everything will taste better. Please try for at least the first bottle.
Malbecs and Pinot Noirs are easiest pair food with, and usually work with just any dish.
I find Cabs are the toughest to pair with outside of a steak.
A good white wine will never match a good red wine, just like an iced coffee is never as rewarding as a hot cup of coffee.
Don’t be tricked by fancy labels, or the advice of a person working at the store.
If you want to try a new wine, look for what is almost sold out. The person at the store may be trying to get rid of something that is not selling.
