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Whether you’re out on a date, trying to make a great impression to seal that sales contract, or just enjoying a night on the town with your friends, the most intimidating part of any meal seems to be ordering the wine.

I recently spent some time in South Florida, as part of my hotel company’s task force, assisting a hotel who had experienced some acute turnover. I work primarily in Food and Beverage and have for the past 12 years. The hotel restaurant is well renowned in the area and to compliment their amazing and local food they had a wine list that’s depth challenges that of any Encyclopedia Britannica you could come across.

Ever since starting in the biz I pushed myself to learn my way around wine and wine lists. It was always such an experience that could enhance any meal and start any conversation off in the right direction.

My fiancée and I were enjoying a night off from work, so we decided to dine in the hotel restaurant. When the sommelier dropped the list, I hijacked it. Before my eyes there was over 700 wines. Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Cab Franc, Viognier, Mataro to name just a few. If that was not enough, over 200 of the wines were dedicated to blends -making the decision even more overwhelming. I ordered a bottle of Sangiovese, a very good—and very bold choice. The sommelier complimented my choice and seemed excited to interact with someone who was straying away from the normal “I’ll have the house Cab Sauv, please”. We then got into a long discussion about how the biz is changing and as millennials expand their knowledge, their demand for something different expands with it.

My confidence in pushing the envelope, in all seriousness, came from years of trial and error. Trying something new and thinking outside the box, opens a world of pairing possibility that you cannot even begin to imagine. However, there is no question about it: Ordering wine is the most intimidating part of eating out. Being in a high-pressure to please situation does not calm the nerves and the wrong choice or hesitation in making the right one can have a negative effect on the experience.

To get good at navigating wine lists, there is a golden rule: It’s not about ordering the most expensive bottle on the list. Read that sentence again. It simply becomes being confident in knowing what you like, reading the situation and balancing the best bang for your buck. While not a rule, some of the best wines (depending on location) can be found in the $85-$120 per bottle price range. Older vintages and limited releases have their value; however, you do not need to default to price thinking quality is its compliment.

Reading a wine list 101, ok, here’s how it’s done.

(This is simpler than you think).

First and foremost (this should hold the most weight), simply know what you like to drink. What region and what type of varietal peaks your interest. Not only will you be enjoying a bottle that you actually like, you’ll be able to speak to the wine in conversation more intimately. It will become something you love that you have decided to share -the personal touch will always give you bonus points.

Explore and experiment with wines from locations that you enjoy. Italy? France? Oregon? California? Start there. The next step is to focus on the vintage. If you find an affordable 2015 vintage of wine from the location of your choice, push yourself a little to find an older vintage of that same wine. Again, balance the bang for your buck ratio -don’t go too crazy.

My thought process behind this method is just as simple as the method itself: I’m going for the most affordable bottle I can find that’s still got enough age to it to be sure the tannins have been rounded out and the aged fruit comes through in memorable fashion.

The last hint to gaining the most out of your selection is to always have the wine decanted. Read that sentence again, too. Wine with some age on it is begging for air to fully develop its roundness and be welcomed into the world again. The profile of your selection will change as time goes on and will add that element of experience we here at EverydayVino cherish so much.

The goal should always be to get a solid bottle at a decent price. Remember, every tasting and wine choice should be trial and error. Push you comfort zone and explore new and exciting flavors and varietals -you never know where your taste buds will take you.

And as always, #cheerstothemoment