A place to begin. Room to explore.

Your palate. Your starting point.

Choose the statement that sounds like you today. These are starting points, not tests or ranks. Every question is open to everyone.

Path 01

Starting From Scratch

Wine is new to me, and I want a comfortable place to begin.

No vocabulary required

  1. 1Your first taste
  2. 2Feeling comfortable in a wine store
  3. 3Labels and basic terms
  4. 4Saying “not for me” in a tasting room
Path 02

I’m Finding My Direction

I know a few things I don’t enjoy, but I’m still finding my palate.

Turn reactions into clues

  1. 1Too sweet or too dry
  2. 2Too sharp or acidic
  3. 3Too drying or tannic
  4. 4Too heavy, light, or alcoholic
  5. 5An aroma or flavor I dislike
Path 03

I Think I Know What I Like

I have favorite grapes, wines, or labels—and I want to understand why.

Explore a familiar grape

  1. 1Explore a familiar grape
  2. 2Hot and cool climates
  3. 3New or aged bottles
  4. 4U.S. and international labels
Path 04

I Know What I Like

I can describe my preferences and want to make more confident choices.

Compare place, vintage & style

  1. 1Compare place, vintage & style
  2. 2Follow a varietal across appellations
  3. 3Let a vintage lead somewhere new
  4. 4Pair by the trait you love
Path 05

I Know All the Answers

I’m experienced, curious, and still willing to be surprised.

Challenge your assumptions

  1. 1Challenge your assumptions
  2. 2Host an unusual pairing night
  3. 3The side that surprises the wine

A working guide from PairedBest. Matthew and Tom will keep adding personal experiences, preferences, and winemaker conversations.