So you want to learn more about wine...now what? Here are 5 Absolute Best Tips

You've made the decision. It's time. You're tired of wondering: "What grape is in this?" Or maybe you've caught yourself staring at the wine aisle and asking: "Where ARE the red blends?"

The wondering stops here. I'm going to give you the absolute best tips I can possibly think up for taking the first serious step in your wine journey. No more calling your dad because he went to Napa that one time or feverishly searching the web for the perfectly reviewed bottle.

What I have condensed it all down to is essentially five actionable steps. From there, it is up to you to decide how much you want to learn about that complicated, crafty beverage that is wine.

Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes of this thing (and a nice Cabby Sauv to wash them down, of course):

5 Absolute Best Tips for Learning About Wine:

1. Establish goals.

2. Taste, taste, TASTE!

3. Listen to your own mouth.

4. Write stuff down.

5. Never settle.

If those steps sound easy, it's because they ARE! Let's keep digging. (Might as well, since you've read this far.)

Step 1: Establish learning goals for yourself.

I used to be a teacher, so learning goals are kind of my thing. You sort of need to know where you're going in order to get there, right? Really ask yourself why you want to learn about wine, and go from there. Is it because wordy wine labels make your head hurt? Is it because you want to impress your fancy friends with a cellar in their basement? Or is it because you just need a little something fun that's just for you?

Let me give you an example: your overarching objective could be that you want to learn how to find and taste new wines. It's a good idea, but it's vague. Here are some related, more actionable goals:

• Learn about at least one grape, region, or style per week.

• Try at least one new bottle this weekend.

• Choose one book, podcast, or course about wine to complete this month.

Those are just some of the possibilities! Just remember, this should be FUN. Don't choose a podcast that puts you to sleep, trust me.

Step 2: Taste the actual wine.

Honestly, it's hard to remember wine facts on their own without actually drinking the stuff. Consider your wine glass your own personal laboratory, field trip, and and case study all rolled into one. Whatever you pour in there and slurp down your throat is going to teach you volumes more about the taste than any article. That being said, keep reading.

Step 3: Listen to your OWN mouth, not someone else's.

I have second guessed myself so many times after hearing someone else's take on a wine I've tasted. It is totally okay to do, but just remember that wine is for enjoying. If you don't like the way it tastes when someone else says it is the best thing in all the universes combined, you do NOT have to drink it!

Step 4: Write down your experiences.

I don't care if you use a quill or an app. Just record your thoughts on what you drink through whatever means necessary to help you remember. I like to keep a little notebook handy when I'm drinking and also an album on my phone for bottle photos. Here are some points to jot down:

• If you liked it

• What you smelled and tasted

• What's on the label (take a picture if you need to)

• Whether or not you want to try similar wines

Of course there are more technical methods of evaluation, but those points work well for novices and pros alike.

Step 5: Never settle for any wine that is less than delicious.

If you drink something that you think is gross, that's all part of your journey. However, a HUGE perk of having wine knowledge is using it to make more informed choices about what you're sipping next. Life is way too short to drink bad wine. Life is also too short to keep drinking mediocre wine you don't totally love. Just don't, okay?!

Kudos to you for reading this entire blog post. Don't be afraid to start the steps of your journey, and reach out if you need me!

Now, you've earned it. Go pour a glass.