Picking the Perfect Wine
In the spirit of DC Wine Week, take some time to learn about how you can pick the best wines to order on your next date. Whether spending a night in or dining out, here are some things to consider next time you are looking to grab a glass with your sweetie.
Bubbly fun
Kick your date’s fun factor up a notch by ordering some sparkling wine. Sparkling wines are bubbly, fun and make for a delicious alternative to the normal wine routine. Spain’s Cava and Italy’s Prosecco are two great choices that are sure to satisfy your significant other.
Be bold
Instead of heading for the usual Pino Grigio, try some wines from other parts of the world. Travel the world through your wine glass with some Portuguese red wine. These are much more adventurous than your typical, mass-produced red wine. Offering some extra spice to your wine glass, these reds tend to showcase robust, fruity notes. Other unexpected countries that have some great wines include Australia and Austria. If you want to be a little less bold but still adventurous, try some great flavors available in southern French wines.
Do not overspend
If it is your first date, do not be flashy and buy the most expensive bottle you can get your hands on. You run the risk of making your date feel uncomfortable or making you look like a snob. If it is your 10th anniversary, then go for it! Keep in mind your date’s taste, the circumstances and your budget. After all, you are going to need to be able to afford the next date.
Bring the cheese
Each wine pairs well with some type of cheese, fruit or meat. Do your research and make sure that if you are dining in, that you bring the correct pairing with your wine selection. You want to be able to enjoy the wine and not feel a funky aftertaste. A great pairing can be your passport to a successful date.
Ask the sommelier
If you are out at a restaurant and the options are overwhelming, just ask for the sommelier’s suggestion. The sommelier is an expert and will be able to guide you to your perfect wine bottle.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to have some great wine-filled dates in the future. Just don’t drink too much and remember to cab it home! For information on DC Wine Week, visit http://www.dcwineweek.com/.
Dating and Relationship blogger, Sara Maldonado is a writer and social media guru currently navigating the sea of men while having an affair with the city of Washington, DC. She enjoys coffee, laughter, and a good hair day.