Have you ever walked into a business mixer or a networking dinner, grabbed a glass of wine —only to instantly regret it? Maybe it was too dry, too bitter, or just not your style. Suddenly, you’re holding a glass you don’t want to sip, hoping no one noticed your grimace. This is not a wine for beginners! If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you absolutely belong at the table, no matter what’s in your glass.
The world of wine can feel like a maze loaded with unwritten rules, snobbery, and pressure to “fit in.” Just attend a wine tasting and try to learn all the different types of red wine these days! But at Everyday Sommelier, we believe that wine should empower you, not intimidate you—especially when work and social life collide. In our recent episode with Anna Mpinga, a business professional navigating wine at networking events, we tackled the real-life challenges wine newbies face, and how you can build confidence to make wine work for you, not the other way around.
Let’s unpack the myths, missteps, and key mindset shifts that will help you tackle any wine situation with ease, fun, and authenticity—whether you’re a sweet-wine lover, a total novice, or just ready to ditch the façade and enjoy wine your way. After all, it’s just fermented grapes!
The Wine Confidence Gap: Why It Matters
Picture this: you’re at a client dinner or professional gathering. Everyone’s swirling and sipping what seems like “grown-up” wine—think big, bold reds or crisp, super-dry whites like Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. You, however, prefer sweet wines like Moscato or off-dry Rieslings, but nothing on the menu feels approachable. The fear of sticking out—or worse, being judged—creeps in.
Why does this matter?
Because confidence is easy currency, especially in professional settings. The moment you feel unsure about your wine choice, it can spill over into how you interact, network, and present yourself. Wine, after all, is more than just a beverage at these events—it’s often the social glue and a surprising conversation starter.
But here’s the good news: Everyone starts somewhere, and there’s no “right” point of entry. As Kristi Mayfield, Everyday Sommelier’s host, shared, even wine educators once started with affordable, jug wines or felt like misfits at their first real wine-centric event. The real win? Owning where you are and learning how wine can serve you, both on your palate and as a professional asset.
Busting the Myth: “To Fit In, You Must Love Dry Wines”
A common misconception is that “real wine appreciation” means enjoying bone-dry reds and whites—anything sweet is considered amateurish or less “serious.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Sweet wines are legitimate: From legendary Moscatos to coveted Sauternes, sweet wines aren’t just wine for beginners, they have a place in the world of fine wine and have been celebrated for centuries. Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t always king.
- Everyone’s palate is unique: The flavors and textures you enjoy are valid. Wine isn’t a test; it’s personal.
- Most people are faking it at some level: As Anna pointed out, a lot of people smile through a glass they don’t like just to fit in. It’s more common than you think.
The sooner you shed the pressure to match others’ tastes, the quicker you’ll enjoy wine on your own terms—and likely become a better, more relatable networker in the process.
Actionable Insights: Owning Your Wine Experience at Socials
Ready to ditch the anxiety and start feeling at home in any wine situation? Here are actionable strategies, straight from Anna and Kristi’s candid conversation.
1. Break the Ice with Curiosity, Not Conformity
Instead of defaulting to what everyone else is drinking, ask about others’ wine journeys! Try:
- “I’m new to drier wines—how did you get started?”
- “Do you remember the first wine you really enjoyed?”
- “I usually go for sweeter wines—any recommendations for expanding my palate?”
These questions spark genuine dialogue and show that you’re interested, not just interesting. They also level the playing field, making wine about stories and experiences, not just flavors.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Like
If you’re at a bar or event and the options seem intimidating, be upfront:
“What’s the sweetest wine you have?”
Or even, “I’m new to drier wines, do you have a recommendation that’s a bit softer or fruitier?”
If the bartender doesn’t have your preferred style, you can request a wine cocktail: half white or rosé wine, half Sprite or 7-Up over ice. It’s delicious, fun, and totally valid.
3. Take Control by Prepping at Home
You don’t have to make your first foray into new wines at a public event. Host a tasting night with friends, try some low-pressure experimenting, and see how your palate reacts when nobody’s watching.
Suggested starters:
- White Zinfandel: Often sweeter, refreshing, and approachable.
- Off-dry Riesling: Great with spicy food, bright, and gently sweet.
- Lambrusco: Slightly fizzy, red, and often off-dry—perfect for summer.
Invite friends to bring their favorite bottles, share thoughts, and laugh about hits and misses. Practicing in a no-judgment zone builds confidence for public situations.
4. Leverage Pairings to Your Advantage
Love sweet wine? Pair it with spicy food! Off-dry and sweet wines balance out heat and bold flavors—think spicy Asian or Mexican dishes. Exploring these pairings can deepen your appreciation and help you speak about wine with more authority at events.
5. Remember: Every Wine Has Its Place
Don’t let a single bad experience turn you off an entire style. Maybe that dry red wasn’t for you last time, but another bottle, vintage, or food pairing could surprise you. Keep exploring—you’ll be amazed at what you might discover with an open mind.
Combatting Wine for Beginners Snobbery—For Good
Intimidated by jargon, elaborate lists, or the feeling that everyone is silently judging your choices? Kristi and Anna have a simple mantra: create a no-judgment zone for wine—to yourself and others.
Here’s how:
- Admit what you don’t know: Nobody expects you to be an expert, so don’t put that pressure on yourself.
- Celebrate differences: Your preference for Moscato might be someone else’s “acquired taste” that took them years to enjoy. Ask for their journey—you might find your stories overlap.
- Focus on enjoyment, not performance: Wine is for pleasure and connection, not competition.
As Kristi reminds us, “Wine should be about your enjoyment—and you don’t have to fake it to fit in.”
Hosting or Coordinating? Be an Inclusive Wine Hero with Wine for Beginners (and non-Alc!)
If you ever have a say in the wine list at events, remember: one or two sweet options (and maybe a nonalcoholic selection) will make someone’s night. No need for a massive selection—just a little intentional variety shows you thought about everyone. You’ll be the person guests remember for making the environment welcoming and fun.
Takeaways: Harnessing Wine as a Confidence Tool
- Your taste is valid. Whether you love bright, dry Sauvignon Blanc or bold, juicy Lambrusco—own it.
- It’s okay to keep trying. Experimentation is how everyone learns. Give styles a second (or third) chance in different contexts.
- Leverage wine as a connector. Use stories, questions, and shared experiences to spark real conversation—way better than small talk about the weather or business cards.
- There is no finish line. Even professional sommeliers are still learning what they love and why. Let yourself be surprised!
Final Inspiration: Wine for Beginners Is a Journey—And You’re the Driver
Your wine journey is uniquely yours. There’s no need to sprint from sweet Moscato to tannic reds, and no rulebook says you must enjoy something just because others do. The only “goal” is to find what brings you joy—and to share it boldly.
As Anna said on Everyday Sommelier: “I’m such a sponge when it comes to learning. I want to know it all, and I want to soak it in so I can apply it.” That’s the spirit! Wine is meant to enhance your life, relationships, and self-confidence. Trust that you belong—whatever you’re drinking.
So next time you find yourself at a networking event feeling out of place, breathe deep, smile, and remember: every wine lover started somewhere. Your glass, your taste, and your story matter. Here’s to learning wine your way—cheers to that!
Ready to own your wine journey with more confidence?
Share this post with a friend who’s just starting out, or check out our Everyday Sommelier podcast for more tips, stories, and approachable wine education. And remember—there’s always a seat at our table for you.
