Wine Selection made simple!
#1 RULE to wine selection: Always trust your own taste because no one knows your appetite the way you do. There is a learning curve to buying good wine, and you're likely to learn as much from your mistakes, as from your success. Other guidelines to consider when selecting your next wine:
Price The price you are willing to pay or not pay for a bottle of wine should be a key in determining which wine is right for you.
With today’s wine market there are plenty of great wines available for around $15 and some even less.
Palate We all have them and they often change in a moments notice, but with wine appetite let them assist you in your decision by what you will be drinking or who you will be sharing them with. For example, if you are hosting a wine tasting party, your preferences might lean towards safe reds and whites.  For people that may not be accustomed to heavier-bodied, heartier wines, give them a break - buy a softer Merlot or Pinot Noir.  These are sometimes referred to as Starter Reds. For a white, who doesn't enjoy a refreshing Riesling? If you are seeking to experiment, then talk to your local wine merchant about wines, styles and labels, which you have enjoyed in the past and asking for recommendations.  They should provide sufficient direction for another great find.  If you are new to wines and are looking for a few suggestions - try a Riesling or a Muscat dessert wine if sweeter wines suit your fancy. If you prefer a dry white wine then look for a Chardonnay, Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc. As for reds, starting with a Pinot Noir, or Merlot if you do not want anything too complex or full-bodied.  If you are looking to turn up the complexity meter, then go with a great California Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (or Shiraz if it’s from Australia) or a Zinfandel.