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Help! Meeting Wine-Snob Parents

So, you’re having dinner with your boyfriend’s parents and they are, let’s say, wine enthusiasts? Don’t fret. When there’s wine at the table, a good time is almost guaranteed.

Of course, if you’re not all that into wine yourself, it’s understandable to feel a little anxious. But there’s nothing wrong with being prepared, so we’ve put together a few tips to help you feel comfortable sharing wine with people who know more about it than you do. This is the beginner wine tips for meeting wine-snob parents.

Don’t Fake It

Whatever you do, don’t pretend to be a "wine snob" yourself. If your future in-laws are truly wine experts, they’ll know. The good news is that you don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy wine. In fact, a little enthusiasm and a desire to learn will take you a long way.

Before we get into why wine is actually pretty cool, here’s some more good news: your in-laws might not be as wine savvy as you think.

People who enjoy wine drink it regularly, yes. And although experience does teach you a thing or two, most wine drinkers aren’t nearly as knowledgeable about wine as you might imagine. Wine is so complex and varied that very few people can claim to fully understand its nuances. So, chances are you won’t have to worry about finding yourself in the middle of a heated debate about Burgundy versus Bordeaux. And if you do, just smile and let them talk. You might learn something!

Become Interested in Wine! At Least Try…

If wine isn’t one of your interests, you’ve got a pretty sweet opportunity to learn a little more about it. You can’t fake enthusiasm, but you might actually get excited about wine once you understand why so many people are crazy about it. So, what’s so interesting about wine, anyway?

Wine is fermented grape juice, yes. But it’s more than booze. There are two big reasons why people enjoy wine so much.

First, unlike most other drinks, wine develops interesting aromas that can remind you of anything from apples and cherries to leather and tobacco. If you want to understand one of the biggest contributors to those aromas, check out What is Tannin in Wine? A Beginner’s Guide to The Pucker. Wine has fans around the world, mostly because finding those aromas is fun.

Second, wine takes you places. Tasting wine is like traveling the world without leaving the comfort of your home. People make wine in dozens of countries, and wines from different regions, towns, and villages can all taste different. Understanding wine regions can help you start to grasp this. Tasting wine from somewhere new is like adding another stamp to your passport.

You see? Wine is kind of interesting!

Red Wine, White Wine, What’s the Difference?

Generally speaking, red wine is made with red grapes and white wine with white grapes, but the differences go far beyond color. If you’re new to wine, there are a few simple things you can look for when tasting them.

Red wine is often fuller-bodied and richer than white wine. It can feel heavier in your mouth and may have a stronger, more intense flavor. This is why there are different glasses for red and white wine because red wine needs to breath more. Red wines also usually contain tannins, compounds that can leave your mouth feeling dry or puckered. This drying sensation, though, has nothing to do with sweetness. When a wine is described as “dry,” it simply means it isn’t sweet, and most red wines are dry. The lack of sweetness can be one of the biggest challenges for a new wine drinker, especially if they’re used to sweet drinks.

A few ways to describe red wine include: “this wine tastes like cherries and berries,” “it’s earthy,” or “it feels big and bold.”

White wine is often lighter and more acidic than red wine, which makes it taste refreshing. It contains much less tannin, so it tends to feel smoother and easier to drink. White wine is also often dry, but its fruity aromas can make it feel very approachable. Some words to describe white wine are citrusy, floral, fresh, crisp, and even tropical if it reminds you of mangoes and lychees, for example.

And don’t forget about rosé and sparkling wine. These styles can be just as varied as red and white wines. You may find sweet rosé or sparkling wine, but many are dry, too. If you’re unsure, just ask!

The Ritual

Wine is all about sharing a fun moment around the table. There are a few traditions to know, but don’t worry, nobody is going to kick you out for breaking a wine rule.

Glassware. You may get different glasses for different wines. Red wine is often served in larger glasses, while white wine is often served in smaller ones, although there are plenty of exceptions. Whatever glass you get, it’s generally a good idea to hold it by the stem. This keeps your hands from warming the wine and prevents you from getting the bowl all smudgy with fingerprints.

Sniff, then sip. After a bottle is opened, someone may taste the wine before it is poured for everyone. What’s that all about? They’re not trying to decide whether the wine deserves a gold medal. They’re simply checking that the wine isn’t flawed.

If your hosts ask you to taste it, there’s no need to pretend you’re a wine expert. Give it a little sniff and ask yourself: Does anything seem wrong? If it smells and tastes fine, that’s all you need to know. A simple “It tastes good to me” is perfectly acceptable.

Take it easy. Sip the wine, don’t chuck it. Give your glass a gentle swirl to release the aromas, then put your nose near the glass and see what you can smell. Maybe you’ll pick up berries, citrus, flowers, or something completely unexpected. This is the fun part! Then take a sip and see if you can taste what you smelled.

Drink plenty of water! Wine is sometimes delicious, but it packs a punch. If you drink too much or too fast, you might regret it the next day, in more ways than one.

Welcome to the Family

Wine enthusiasts can be, well, special, but they’re probably not as snobby as you imagine. Most people who love wine simply enjoy sharing something they’re passionate about.

The best part? Wine enthusiasts usually love talking about wine, and they’ll probably be more than happy to teach you what they know. Ask questions, tell them what you like, and see what they have to say.

There’s a good chance they’ll even open something special in your honor, so sip and enjoy. You might discover a new wine you love, learn something interesting, and, most importantly, make some great memories with your new family.

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