Wine 101

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Bottles of wineJames Merrell

Wine needn’t be expensive or intimidating―a corkscrew and a little basic knowledge are all you need to enjoy the fruit of the vine. Here, how to choose, store, and serve wine.

  • Basic Wine VarietiesA guide to the big six―the most common grape varieties found in the United States―and foods to pair them with.
  • Choosing WinePick the right bottle like an expert―even if you’re faking it.
  • Drinking WineHow to look like a pro when ordering and imbibing.
  • Serving WineFollow these basic rules to ensure that the wine you’re pouring is at its best.

Home Bar Essentials

A nine-bottle bar should meet all your cocktail needs, giving you the ingredients to make hundreds of recipes. Here's the only liquor you need, along with mixers, gadgets, garnishes, and glasses.

  •  Bourbon
  •  Cointreau or triple sec (some people swear Cointreau is worth the money even if you mix it)
  •  Gin

View The Entire Checklist

How To: Open a Bottle of Wine

There are plenty of corkscrews loaded with bells and whistles out there, but don’t fall for them: A simple, classic waiter’s corkscrew―the type used in most restaurants―is really all you need. Here’s how to use it properly.

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