How to Become a Wine Expert

Becoming a wine expert can be daunting. With many options available, it can be hard to find where to start. Fortunately, there is hope! Below are some steps to start your journey to becoming a wine expert. Depending on your level of commitment, you can become a self-proclaimed wine expert in less than a year. You’ll find that your wine knowledge is like a rolling stone; you pick up wine knowledge faster and more efficiently as you progress.

1. Developing Your Wine Palate

To start, you’ll need to develop a palate for wine. It’s an acquired taste, and even professional wine sommeliers start with drinking more modest options. Take it from the pros and start with what you like—whether a basic rosé or a dark red. Swish the wine in your mouth instead of swallowing it immediately when you sip it. Once you get past the initial wine flavor, you can start to identify any interesting subtleties. It’s important to note that expanding your palate involves tasting a range of wines.

2. Try an ‘Aha’ Wine

Once your feet are wet with identifying the different notes of wine before drinking it, start to branch out with the wines you try. Eventually, you’ll taste a wine different from the others you usually try—this will be your ‘Aha’ wine. These typically are not from a region you prefer or are used to. These wines aren’t supposed to be delicious or perfect but unique from your usual choice. Need some examples? Visit Krasi and explore our wide range of wine options, from lighter to the boldest.

3. Search for New Favorites 

The next step is finding your new favorite wines outside your usual picks. Your palate is expanding, and more variety is starting to appeal to you. It’s common at this stage to struggle to know what you like in a wine, which can discourage new wine lovers. There are many inconsistencies regarding wine experts and their opinions on wine—variation is essential, so don’t feel the need to compare wines you like to new options.  

4. Drink the Bolder Wines

As you progress through the tiers to becoming a wine expert, your tastes constantly expand. At this point, start diving into more prominent and bolder wines. Identifying the notes in these bolder wines can be challenging, but it can also help you deepen your palate and understand more unique wine options.

5. Attend Krasi’s Wednesday Symposiums

At Krasi in the Back Bay, we host Symposium Wednesdays, a modern homage to the ancient Greek tradition of gathering to enjoy wine, conversation, and connection. Each Symposium offers a unique opportunity to explore Greece’s wine culture in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious, Symposium is your chance to sip, learn, and celebrate the stories, history, and bold flavors behind each bottle.

Learn more about Krasi’s Wednesday Wine Symposium and make reservations today to explore our range of Greek wines.