As I have noted previously somewhere on the 1855 site, learning wine is not just about book knowledge but requires a lot of tasting to gain a deeper understanding of all subjects concerning wine: terroir, winemaking techniques, varietals, regions, flaws, wine aging and a myriad of other issues. Tasting hundreds or thousands of different wines to add to your knowledge base can be daunting, not to mention, very expensive.

It seems like wine bars, even in this downward spiraling economy (or maybe because of it), are popping up faster than Walgreen’s in a retirement community. For you and me, this is a good thing. How else can you taste six or more different wines each week if you choose to do so? The experience from frequenting your local wine bar is invaluable, regardless of where you’re at with wine knowledge.

My very favorite wine place in the Austin area is Lakeway Wine Trader (Lakeway is a beautiful waterfront community just outside of Austin). If you live in the area and want address and contact information, go to www.mywinetrader1.com. Not only do I get to sample many wines without having to buy a whole bottle but I have an opportunity to socialize with people that share my passion for wine.

The owners and management of Lakeway Wine Trader are first and foremost, sophisticated and savant wine collectors themselves. Fortunately they just happen to own and operate a wine bar/retail establishment dedicated to discovering and selling great wine while helping others to learn. Another great thing about this great place is that no one working there ever tries to sell you wine; they will expertly guide you if you request advice but there is absolutely no sales hype or pressure ever - just honest wine aficionados willing to impart their wisdom if asked. This type of business philosophy is worth searching for in your area. If you have ever been ‘sold’ a bottle of wine by someone who neither knows wine or cares about it, and realized as soon as you opened the bottle that you were duped by that salesperson, you know what I’m talking about.   

Unless you live in the middle of nowhere, I’m guessing there is a wine bar or at least some wine tasting events near you. See what you can find near you by visiting this wine event site (free) at www.localwineevents.com and attend as many events as you can. I wish everyone could have a Lakeway Wine Trader in close proximity but at the very least, find a winecentric bar or retailer near you and sample as many wines as you can reasonably sample. Few things will ramp up your knowledge or keep you up to date than to taste a lot of wines and spend time around people that have the same love of wine as you.