05/11/07 Wine Merchant

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and I have a question - Are you one of those people that stand in front of the wine displays and feel intimidated when the wine merchant asks if they can help you? What is up with that? Today we're going to discuss making friends with the local wine merchant. To begin with I like to recommend that you let down your defenses and remember that, maybe, just maybe, they aren't trying to intimidate you  perhaps you are intimidated by wine. Just get over it - and tell it all to the wine specialist. You know, things like "I'm looking for & white or red. I've had this wine in the past and really enjoyed it. I will be serving it, with or without food  if food what kind? And most of all & how much do you want to spend! Yes, just spit it out! They need to know and they really just want to make you happy. These are wine specialists who have had the opportunity to taste many different wines. They want to share their experience with you. Once they make a few suggestions and get your feedback they will then have a good idea about the style and kinds of wines that you like. They can help you sort through what the wine writers are recommending  because it can be disconcerting. But the wine merchant, based upon what they know about your personal tastes can tell you if it's a wine for you. I say this is their job and if they are good at it  it just might be one of those places that turns out to be all about you! So give those wine merchants a break and let them get to know you and your wine preferences. And thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.