Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/66088
Uncork and There was a time when wine was too intimidating for me to enjoy. And, it wasn't just during my college years when cheap beer was my drink of choice – it continued well beyond my 1992 CMU graduation. Eventually, though, the world of wine intrigued me. Like many novices, I was afraid to try wine due to the snobby stigma that is often attached. I was nervous about making "mistakes." In addition, some of my first tastes of wine were less than delightful. I had no idea there were myriad styles ranging from very sweet to very dry. I learned quickly that it takes a lot of time and many sips to discover wines that taste great to me. The thing I advise most to people who want to learn more about wine is to drink what you like. It's that simple. Only you should decide what tastes good to you. If you're new to wine, narrow your preferences to white or red and sweet or dry. From there, you can explore many different styles that fall within a range that is best for your palate. Tasting rooms and wine events are great places to sample several wines without having to buy a whole bottle of each. enjoy CMU alumna says to go with the flow when selecting wine BY LORRI HATHAWAY, '92 At restaurants, be comfortable ordering what you want. If you like Chardonnay with your steak or Merlot with your fish, then go for it. At the same time, though, consider food and wine pairings suggested by experts as they are often good recommendations. If you need ideas when entertaining with wine at home, try a wine and food pairing chart. This will offer suggestions for what wine varietals typically pair well with the type of food you are serving. And certainly don't be afraid to take a bottle of wine as a host gift or to a dinner party. Select something you like and want to share. Wine is more about the overall experience that surrounds it. There's nothing better than a great bottle of wine among good friends. So let down that guard – and pick up your glass. Lorri Hathaway is a freelance writer, photographer, and presenter and co-author of the award-winning "From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries" and "The History of Michigan Wines." Learn more at deliciousmichigan.com. • guide for your glass If you want more information about wine and food pairing, go to deliciousmichigan.com/pairing-guide centralight winter '11 13