The only way to know if you like a wine is to taste it. That's why free samplings at local stores or tasting events that offer a variety of styles and wineries are good ways to find out what you like before you buy a bottle. Another good source is a wine competition. The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest judging of American wines in the world. This year judges tasted over 7000 bottles! The results are a great way to find "consumer friendly" wines in a variety of varietals and price ranges. These bottles were sampled by dozens of people against similar wines. Judges award top prizes in each varietal and price range, and from those terrific wines they select the "best of the best" including:

With Valentines Day and Super Bowl parties just around the corner, the Sparkling Sweepstakes Winner is one to put on your list. The Korbel Sparkling Brut is less than $15, widely available and would make a great glass on its own, or used as a base for a sparkling wine punch, or cocktail. Find ALL of the winners on their website www.winejudging.com/medal-winners

Speaking of wine tasting events, the WFYI Ice Miller Wine Fest takes place Friday, March 4th, 2016, at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Union Station. I will be hosting and hundreds of wines will be available for sipping. Details www.wfyi.org/events